Varick stepped forward and shook the Uncle Stevie’s hand. Surprisingly Uncle Stevie yanked him forward. Leaning closer Uncle Stevie whispered in his ear. “If you ever hurt him I’ll hunt you down and shoot you, then take out the rest of your pack.” Stepping back Uncle Stevie slapped Varick on the shoulder. “Welcome to the family.”

“Um thanks.”

The smile on Uncle Stevie’s face didn’t hide the flash of determination in his eyes.

Varick’s wolf struggled to come to the surface eager to kill any threat to the pack.

“Easy, love,” Dio ran a hand up and down Varick’s arm. “You can’t kill my uncle.”

“I bet I can,” Varick growled.

Dio laughed. “Let’s go see Aunt Carlotta.”

Varick nodded. With a last warning look at Uncle Stevie, Varick followed Dio towards the house.

Before they’d gone more than a few feet towards the house, the front door swung open revealing a tiny woman with bright white hair wearing a pink jumpsuit.

“Dio!” The woman ran over and grabbed Dio in a tight hug.

Dio allowed the embrace but quickly moved away from his aunt. “How are you doing Aunt Carolotta?”

“I’ve been better.” She stepped back and eyed Varick with her bright pink eyes. Varick almost expected her nose to twitch. She smelled like a burnt forest.

“Mother is up to her tricks again,” Dio explained.

She looked back and forth between them. “Come inside.”

Varick wondered if it was a good idea to follow a bunny-demon into her lair especially when she had no problem throwing full-grown men through windows. Looking behind him Varick saw Uncle Stevie following after them.

Varick placed a hand on Dio’s back keeping track of his mate by touch while he scanned the house’s interior. If anyone tried to attack Dio he’d be prepared.

The living room surpassed all his horror movie expectations.

Bunnies were everywhere. Knickknacks, stuffed animals and the occasional live animal covered every flat surface.

Varick had seen some frightening things in his life; this topped them all.

Dio leaned down and swept a fat white rabbit off the ground. “How are you doing Mr. Dunders?”

“Not bad boy, how are you?”

Varick’s mouth dropped open as the animal spoke in a deep voice.