Page 87 of Protector Unmatched

Grayson rolled his eyes. “See, he’s not even choosing a proper action figure. He’s going as a vampire.”

“As a very famous one, whereas you’ll always be known as the man in tights.”

“Man of Steel, Man of Steel. How often do I have to remind you of that?”

Pearce turned away and continued getting dressed. The costume was rather comfortable and had lots of pockets where he could stash weapons. Next to him, Logan was getting ready. His costume was rather simple, a beige outfit that made him look like he belonged into a dojo, but when he added a cape of the same color and stuck a lightsaber into his belt, Pearce recognized the costume.

“So you’re going as Luke Skywalker.”

Logan shrugged. “I can fight in this garb better than as a Stormtrooper, that’s for sure. I just wanna get in, find the source dagger, and get out.”

“My sentiments exactly.”

Logan grinned. “Some people seem to take dressing up a little too seriously.” He pointed to Aiden, who was getting his hair and makeup done at one of the dressing tables. Not that it was necessary. His costume already identified him as the Norse god Thor.

“You think Aiden is the only one into this?” Pearce laughed, glad that there was levity before the big storm ahead. “Check out what our little organizer Patrick reserved for himself.” He pointed to a rack in the back of the room, where Patrick was slipping into a full-body costume.

“Aquaman,” Logan said. “That little cheat! I asked him if he had any superheroes left, and he said that the only costume not spoken for was Luke Skywalker. He was hiding that costume so he could take it for himself, I swear.”

Pearce winked at his friend. “So, you’re not at all into this, right?”

Logan grunted something unintelligible. “Oh, shut up!”

“Well, at least you and Gabriel will look good together.” Pearce watched as Gabriel, now in full Darth Vader garb, approached.

He stopped right in front of Logan. “I am your father,” he said in true Darth Vader form.

“Shoot me now,” Logan said, while Gabriel laughed, the mask muffling the sound and turning it into something sinister.

“Guess we’re ready now,” Pearce said, and looked around the room. There was a knock at the door. Seeing that everybody was dressed, he said, “Come in.”

The first to enter was a Stormtrooper, no doubt Yvette, who, as a full-blooded vampire, had to stay out of the rays of the sun. Behind her, Enya entered. Her appearance silenced everybody. She was dressed as Khaleesi, mother of dragons, from Game of Thrones, her natural long blond hair hanging loose down to her waist. Her gown was blue and showed off her tiny figure. At her waist sat several weapons, and knowing Enya, she probably had more strapped to her thighs or ankles—just in case.

Hamish whistled. “Come to your Khal!”

Enya gave him the finger, and everybody in the room laughed.

“Where’s—” Pearce started.

“Sorry I’m late.” Daphne entered the room. Had she not spoken, he would have barely recognized her. She was dressed as Wonder Woman, complete with shield, high boots, and brass headdress that prevented the long, dark locks of her wig from falling into her face.

His heart stopped. Winter had described how Daphne looked like on the day she would murder him. Now he could see it for himself. This was the Daphne who would kill him.