Page 76 of Destined Paranormals: Volume One

“Let’s go grab something to drink and see if they have anything else. I’m excited to experience your customs and things. Do they do this every year, do you know?”

Oscar and I started toward the tent that seemed to be quite popular, and as we grew closer, I could see and smell why.

“I think they did last year. I’m not sure if it’s an every-year thing or if they just started recently. I’ve not really been too involved in much. I haven’t had time.”

I hoped to be able to lighten his load and give him a good life. That was all any good mate should want for their life partner, and hopefully, I would be able to provide that for Oscar, our siblings, and any children we should have together. I wasn’t who I was several years ago, and I really hoped that now I was ready for these things. I felt ready, and it was my desire to be a good mate and provider.

“What would you like?” Oscar asked. I saw a handwritten sign behind a table that was supposed to be a serving counter.

“Whatever you’re having,” I told him. I could read the sign but didn’t necessarily know what certain things that were on it were.

We reached the front of the line, and Oscar told the person behind the table what we wanted. When he asked about payment, we were informed there was no cost, that the council was funding the celebration, and we were welcome to come back as often as we wanted.

I took a cup and a bag that was handed to me and waited for Oscar to do the same before we found a table toward the front of the tent and sat down. I opened the bag and pulled out two different pastries. “What’s this one?”

“That’s the donut. It will be either apple or pumpkin. Which did you ask for? I didn’t quite hear you because I was busy reading the menu board.”

“I asked for pumpkin. I don’t know what that is, so I thought I would give it a try.”

“You don’t have pumpkins in your realm?”

I shook my head. “We have apples and other fruits, but I do not recognize the word ‘pumpkin.’” I pulled the donut to my nose and gave it a deep smell and closed my eyes in appreciation. “Whatever this is, it smells amazing.”

“They are. I got the apple cider one though, so if you’d like to try mine, you’re welcome to.”

I grinned at my mate. “That’s sweet of you. I do not wish to take your treat. I am happy with this one, I believe.” I took a bite and nodded as I started to chew. It was certainly different from any flavor I’d ever eaten before, but I enjoyed it immensely and decided I would need to find out more about pumpkin donuts. These were delicious, and I certainly wouldn’t mind eating more of them.

We ate our donuts, followed by a three-pack of cookies each, and drank our eggnog. I discovered that I personally didn’t care for it and wouldn’t ask for more, but I gave it a try for my mate.

Once finished, we disposed of our cups and bags and left the tent to go explore. The area was decorated with magical lights all around the area; there were games with prizes, a giant bounce house that the children were giggling and playing on, and an area that others seemed to be climbing and then sliding down on round plastic things.

“Those are sleds?” I asked, pointing to the others as they shouted as they came down the large pile of snow.

“Saucer sleds, yes. Did you want to give it a go?”

I thought about it for a moment or two but then shook my head. “If it’s something you wish to partake of, I’ll gladly wait at the bottom here for you.” It wasn’t that it looked dangerous—it didn’t. But I wasn’t sure I should try something of that nature when I was so unsure of the others around me still. I didn’t know anyone here, and what if I somehow came off as unprofessional before I even started my new job? I couldn’t take that chance. I needed to ensure that I could provide for not only my siblings but now Oscar and his two as well. I had a family, and I couldn’t risk jeopardizing my position here.

“We can go do something else,” Oscar said, his voice pulling my attention away from those sliding down the hill.

“I don’t wish for you to not have fun while here. It was my idea to come in the first place. If you want to give it a go, I’ll wait here.”

Oscar shook his head. “Nope. Let’s go do something else. How are you at playing games?” Oscar grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the sledding hill, and we went back to the area that seemed to be filled with games.

“What’s the purpose of these?” I asked as we walked slowly through the different game stations.

“To have fun. Maybe win a prize or two.”

“What shall we try to win?” I asked, pointing to a couple of different games.

“Well, I think that Maelie would like a stuffie,” Oscar said. He still had my other hand and pulled me toward a game that had a wall of balloons behind it.

“What is it that we need to do?” I asked.

“Throw the dart, pop the balloon, and if you break enough of them, we get a prize.”

“Sounds easy enough.” Oscar and I moved up to the counter when space became available, and we were both given a set of darts. I watched Oscar pick one up and throw it toward the balloons, and when it hit it and the balloon popped, I got the idea of the game.

I joined in on the fun, and when it was all said and done, we had both hit the majority of our balloons, and we were both given a prize. Oscar won a stuffed polar bear, and I was handed a stuffed tiger. Both were cute, and I had to agree with him that Maelie would certainly love them. Mason most likely as well.