‘I beg to differ. You see the world in a unique way and you understand people. Your methods are unorthodox but I think that’s exactly what I need.’
This was wrong on every level. ‘No.’ Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Boris walking towards her and gesticulating wildly. Clearly he’d heard the information about the WitchesCouncil; if she was going to speak to Nicola Sturgess, she had to get a wiggle on.
Unfortunately, MacTire was standing his ground. ‘Please.’
‘It’s not a good idea, Mr MacTire.’
His smile vanished and he looked at her earnestly. ‘At least attend the Wolf Ball with me. We can negotiate matters from there.’
Boris reached them. ‘Mallory,’ he said. ‘There’s a problem.’
‘I know, Boris.’
‘If you want to speak to Fetch Sturgess today, you need to leave for the Council headquarters in the next ten minutes.’
She nodded. ‘Yes. Thank you.’ She turned to MacTire. ‘I have to go. I need to get into my flat and get changed. I’ve got things to do.’
‘One evening of your time. In return I’ll complete any favour you desire,’ he promised. ‘No holds barred.’
The man was clearly crazy. ‘You don’t mean that.’
‘I do. I need to find a mate, Mallory Nash, and I think you’re the perfect person to help me.’
Boris was scowling. ‘Mallory…’
She gritted her teeth. ‘Mr MacTire, if you don’t move out of the way…’
‘Please. Help me.’
Goddamnit. She didn’t have time for this.
‘It’s just one ball,’ MacTire said. ‘Five hours. If that.’
Mallory sighed. ‘Anyfavour in return?’
‘Name your price.’
She made a snap – and probably stupid – decision. ‘Twenty-four months’ time frame. Any return favour of my choosing. If I don’t come to you within twenty-four months to request repayment, you are free of any obligations.’
‘Done.’
‘You’ll have to sign a blood contract.’
‘No problem.’
‘And,’ she said firmly, ‘once the Wolf Ball is over, we part company regardless of what happens or who you meet.’
‘Fine.’
‘I’m making no guarantees. I can advise you but I can’t promise results.’
‘I’m good with that.’ His grin had returned and his eyes were dancing with delight. ‘You and I will have fun.’
Mallory doubted that very much. ‘I have to go. This is Boris – he’ll visit you later with the contract. Until you sign it, you can back out.’
‘I won’t do that.’
‘We’ll see,’ she murmured. ‘You might have second thoughts.’ She nodded pointedly at her door.
