Hazel Mack

I screwed up my first solo potion, and now the customer is covered in hives. If that disaster wasn't bad enough, knowing it might get my family's potions house gobbled up by a competitor is the icing on the cake.

When celebrity skyball star Manorin Longhorn arrives in Ever to interview for our coaching position, I have one rule—don't engage. He's my ex from centuries past, a brash male whose heart I shattered when I walked away, and it would be completely inappropriate for me to date a prospective employee.

I came to the hidden monster town of Ever for one reason—my nieces. I definitely didn't expect Connall, the quiet, authoritative shifter male, whose intense stare follows me everywhere I go. And I sure didn't move for the hilarious, snarky elemental who floats outside my bedroom window at night.

I lose myself in my artwork, and for a few hours each day, I can forget about how trapped I feel in the merkingdom as the unwanted and inconvenient niece of an angry, bitter king. If I could find a way to support myself, I could leave the lake—and Uncle Caralorn—and start fresh somewhere else.

A month ago, I had no idea that monsters lived in hidden towns. Surprise! The tiny New England town of Ever is a haven for them. Vampire brothers run the coffee shop. Werewolf bikers will fix your car. I can sort of wrap my mind around that....

The small town of Ever, Massachusetts is idyllic and quaint. It's also chock full of monsters....

Morgan Hector is mine, but for her safety, I can never claim the pretty witch. I can never sate myself on her blood or bring her to bliss with my teeth. We'll never be anything more than friends. When I discover she's homeless and living in my office, I do what I shouldn't—I bring her home.

It's never been the right time for my mates and me. They had their dream of running a coffee shop in Ever, and I had mine climbing the career ladder at monster headquarters. Ambition has kept us apart for centuries.

A good protector is focused on one thing—duty. That's been my guiding mantra since I came to the hidden monster haven of Ever. My roles as protector and father come first. But I've got a secret—I'm desperately obsessed with the beautiful, kind, mischievous pixie who lives across the street.

Music is my life. At least, it would be if my father's politics didn't dictate every minute of my day. When I sneak out to live my dream for the night, consequences follow....