‘Lynnia McIntosh is allergic to werewolves,’ Alexander informed her, when he returned to her side looking sheepish.
‘Don’t be silly.’
‘It’s true! Well, she’s allergic to alpha werewolves with over-the-top personalities who think they have the authority to tell her that she shouldn’t drink acid-green cocktails that will burn her guts, because she’ll drink whatever the fuck she wants to drink.’
Mallory considered; it was a fair and measured response from the druid. ‘You’re not very good at this, are you?’
Alexander drew himself up to his full height. ‘What? I’m great. Just because she took offence when I suggested she was risking her health doesn’t mean I’m not good at chatting up women.’
Mallory pretended not to hear him. ‘Now it makes sense why you came to me. You’re successful in your professional life but you can’t translate that to your personal life because you’reintimidated by smart women. You fumble conversation with anyone who’s not a werewolf in your own pack. You put on a brave front, but the thought of getting to know arealwoman terrifies you.’
‘That’s not even remotely true!’
Excellent: he was taking the bait. ‘Prove it, then. I have one final candidate for you. She’s a werewolf. She’s in a small pack, but she’s just been promoted to beta. She has a degree in linguistics – and I know for a fact that she likes wine rather than neon-green cocktails. She came out of her last relationship more than a year ago so she’s definitely not on the rebound or looking for a one-night stand.’
Alexander put his hands in his pockets. ‘Go on,’ he said. ‘Who is she?’
Mallory pointed. ‘Cathy West. Right over there.’
He followed her finger. ‘She’s brunette.’
‘If the colour of her hair is the deal-breaker I’ll void that blood contract and damn the consequences,’ Mallory said cheerfully.
‘Fine. I’ll go and talk to her.’
‘No, that’s not enough. You will go and talk to her and prove to me that you are genuinely prepared to accept my help. You will get her to agree to go on a date with you.’
Alexander’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. ‘Cathy West was your plan all along, wasn’t it?’
She looked at him serenely. ‘If you can meet your future mate weeks before the Wolf Ball then we both win. Right?’
He sighed. ‘Right.’
‘Off you go, Alex.’
He muttered something under his breath – but he did as he was told.
Mallory had to admit that Alexander MacTire could do many things when he applied himself. She’d known from the startthat Cathy West was the most likely candidate; lupine heritage notwithstanding, she was intelligent and capable.
From the other side of the room, Mallory watched Alexander chat to the woman. She saw Cathy start to relax and laugh at what he had to say. He was smart enough to snag a passing waiter and order a different bottle of wine. Cathy appeared pleased to accept and in fewer than fifteen minutes, the pair were absorbed in conversation to the exclusion of anyone else.
When Alexander gestured towards the dance floor, Mallory held her breath. Cathy nodded and within moments they were deftly navigating a waltz. Mallory hadn’t realised that Alexander could dance; in truth, he was so good that it was difficult to drag her eyes away from him.
‘So did you escape from your temporary prison?’ a voice murmured in her ear. ‘Or were you released?’
Mallory turned towards the twinkling eyes of Liam Ferguson. ‘Shhh,’ she said conspiratorially, placing a finger on her lips. ‘Keep your voice down. I’m a fugitive on the run.’
‘And you thought the perfect place to hide out was a busy Imbolc party? Makes sense. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.’
‘I appreciate that.’ She winked at him.
He smiled. ‘So, assuming none of that is actually true, are you here for business or pleasure?’
‘It’s a party,’ Mallory replied smoothly. ‘What do you think?’
‘Given that I know what your business is, it could be either.’
‘What about you?’ she asked. ‘Are you here for fun?’
