“Yes, because missy here would expect no less from me. She doesn’t like the beating around the bush type of girl. Ain't that right, Raven?”
She knew her mouth was hanging open, but everyone had the wrong idea. “We really don’t like each other like that.” Glancing down at her watch, Raven noticed she had already spent an hour trying on clothes. They had a meeting with Calum. “I’ve got to go. We have a meeting.”
“Don’t you worry, hun. I’ve got your sizes now and I will send the clothes to the pack house,” Quinn said.
“Okay, but I only need some jeans and shirts.”
Smiling, Quinn looked like she was up to something and that worried her. “Just go have your meeting and leave all this to me.”
Nodding, Raven glanced back at Quinn. Never turn your back on a predator, and dear God in heaven, Quinn Dixon was a predator.
“Really, Quinn. We had a moment there and you had to tell her that Caz was practically her mate,” Jade said.
“Well, he is and she needs that thought in her head. Plus, didn’t you see the way he looked at her. The man looked like he was going to throw her over his shoulder and run away with her,” Quinn said, laughing.
“You are killing me, Quinn.”
Putting her hand around her best friend, Quinn muttered, “Now let’s go rack up a huge bill and send it to your mate. Now that’s fun.”
Chapter Nine
Caz never looked up at her when she sat beside him. Calum noticed the cold shoulder, too, but didn’t say anything. “Hello, angel, how are you today?”
“I’m good. How are you?” Raven said.
“If I were any better, then I would be you,” Calum said, rubbing his hands together. He leaned forward and pushed a brown envelope toward them. “After I spoke to all my uncles, they all said at different times that Boris has been acting a little different than usual. He drifts off in meetings and doesn’t give much feedback. Which, after you both meet him, you will see.”
“Doubt we will ever meet him,” Caz said, smiling.
Smiling back, Calum said, “Sure you will. He is coming to the masquerade ball I’m having.”
“The what?” Raven asked.
“Oh, my dear, I give the best balls and now that I’m adding a ballroom to the house, it will be the best one yet. Haven has dresses already made for her line and she is making more just for the masquerade ball. Of course, you both will come together. That way you can meet all the parties involved because I have invited them all. And trust me, they will attend.”
“I don’t have a dress for a ball,” Raven insisted. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms.
“But you will. I have already spoken to Haven and you will be her muse. What I haven’t told you is that you could be the identical twin to Wyatt’s deceased mate. That’s one way to get you his attention and any information out of him. What do you think?”
Caz narrowed his eyes at the vampire. “Are you trying to get her killed?”
“What are you talking about?” she said. “Hello, Death Hunter here. I can handle myself. I knew you would be like this. I can handle Wyatt Benjamin, and Calum is right, it’s the perfect plan to get me in the door.”
Putting his hand on her shoulder, Caz looked like the cat who ate the canary. “I’m just saying that we are dealing with killers here. We still don’t know who is involved yet and who’s to say that he won’t try something. Especially, knowing now that you look like his beloved mate.”
“Caz Milton, we have had this conversation already and I know how to handle myself.”
“Everyone will be there. I have invited all the hunters. She will be completely safe. You will be there with her,” Calum insisted.
“But--” Caz fumbled.
“No buts, Caz. We’re doing this. And if you think you can’t deal with this, then bow out now so I can get Leo back,” Raven said, looking away from the chauvinistic tiger.
Caz rolled his eyes. “Oh, I can deal with it, sweetheart. So when is this ball?”
“Two weeks.”
“Two weeks.” They both said in unison.
“How do you expect to build a ballroom in a week?” Caz asked. Then he shook his head. “Your workers are here again?”
“Yes, they are working around the clock. The ball will be to show off my beautiful mate to the rest of my family and to get your foot in the door. If Wyatt and Boris are guilty, then they should be punished. I’m still holding out that he’s innocent and not involved. But I’m a realist and only time will tell,” Calum said.
Simone came up from the back. “Here you go, Calum. Your order is ready. I put in some extras to give the guys a little more sugar. More sugar means more work.” Simone handed boxes to him.
“Hey, y’all, sorry I can’t talk. Got a big order to finish. Let the girls know if you want something.” Simone waved and headed to the back room.
Getting up, Calum nodded at the papers he gave them. “That’s a little information I found out about Wyatt Benjamin. I think you will find it interesting. Now I’m off to keep the guys working. Gotta get that room completed before next week.”
They watched as Calum left. Raven sat back in her chair and stared at the tiger. “What’s wrong with you? What have I done now?”
“Nothing. I just don’t want to have to answer your brother if something happens to you. I like my skin attached to my body,” Caz said, grabbing the envelope off the table. “Are you ready? We can go over this at the house. I’ve got to run.”
Raven watched as Caz didn’t wait for her, instead he walked out the door. Shaking her head, she wanted to go back and tell Quinn that she was so wrong. This boy didn’t like her one little bit.
All week Caz had been acting funny. Every time she asked what the problem was, he would change the subject. And yes, that was starting to piss her off. As they sat at the kitchen table with other hunters, she caught him numerous times staring at her.
Maybe she was staring at him too. And maybe she had been dreaming about the turd at night most of all. Having Caz Milton as a hunter was really messing her up. Inside and out. She wanted to punch him in the face one minute and kiss him the next. Why, why did this idiot have to be so appealing to her? He only made her mad. It was like he was intentionally trying to aggravate her.
“So, I hear you got some new clothes and we can’t wait to see you in a dress, Raven,” Angelo teased.
Before she could say something smart back to Angelo, Caz had both arms on the table standing above him. “And what does that mean? You want to see her without the dress on or what?” Caz’s whole body was bowed up. They all watched as his claws extended into the table. Even Angelo looked taken back.
Leo had him by the arm, and out the door they went. It happened so fast, all she could do was stare at the door.
“What was that all about?” Angelo and Dave said in unison.
Raven’s mouth dropped open. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen him act like that.”
Her two friends both looked at each other then back at her. “Sure.”