‘And,’ he continued, ‘I get bored easily. I can’t settle.’
‘Alright.’
‘I take people for granted.’
She swallowed.
‘Communication isn’t one of my strengths.’
‘Gotcha.’ She waited for more. ‘Anything else?’
‘Those would be the main points.’
‘Are you a jealous partner?’ she asked.
He shook his head. ‘No. Not even slightly.’
‘Not ever?’
He looked baffled at the idea. ‘No.’
Mallory made a mental note. ‘I think I have enough for now.’ She held up the guest list. ‘I’ll go through this and look into who’s attending the ball. We’ve got more than four weeks to prepare so that should be plenty of time.’ She paused and then asked, ‘What are you doing next weekend?’
‘I’m working.’
‘What about in the evening?’
Alexander shrugged. ‘I’m free Saturday night.’
‘Perfect.’
He watched her. ‘What are you planning?’
‘A trial run,’ she told him. ‘I happen to know that the druids are holding a party for Imbolc to mark the beginning of spring. It’s the perfect opportunity to see you in action.’
‘I’m getting the full service, then.’
‘My aim is to please.’
He looked at her for a long moment. ‘I’m glad to hear that,’ he said. ‘I look forward to being pleased by you.’
For some inexplicable reason, Mallory’s mouth dried.
‘Knock, knock!’ Nick called from the door. ‘Who wants pancakes?’
Thank goodness for the interruption. She grinned. ‘Me! I’m ravenous.’
Alexander MacTire was still gazing at her. ‘So am I.’
After Mallory leftthe MacTire stronghold with the signed blood contract and the guest list for the Wolf Ball in her bag, she took the long way home. Alexander MacTire wasn’t her only client. Mystical Forces was one of the larger witchery stores in Coldstream and there was a good chance they could help her get what she needed for Chester Longchamps.
The moment she stepped across the threshold, she was enveloped in the delicious smell of sage and wild garlic. She inhaled deeply; she might not be able to use most of the contents of a witchery store but she loved looking at them.
‘Good afternoon,’ a young male witch intoned. ‘Welcome to Mystical Forces.’ He looked her up and down and his smile faded. ‘Oh. You’re not a witch.’
‘Nope.’
‘You’re a shapeshifter?’ he asked hopefully.
