Allen blinked. “Half ownership of any company with a stake in the new masking spray. I know you’re close, Tabitha.”
“No,” she said smoothly.
“We won’t take anything less,” Lance said. “Make the agreement, or you’ll be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your probable short life.” His eyes swirled, looking nothing close to human. “It’d be a pity for you to lose your new mate so quickly, Tabitha.”
Evan leaned forward. “The only thing that saves you from a quick death is that you threatened me and not her.” He’d never fought a shifter before. “Asking for half of the business is ridiculous, and you know it.” He looked to his mate at his side. “Is there any agreement you’ll reach?” If she said no, then they might as well forget lunch. He took a drink of his coffee, letting her think it out. This was her business and her decision.
She sat back, calculation crossing her features that was probably the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. Smart girls had always knocked him out, and this one was brilliant and cunning—and a little reckless. He could temper the last one so she didn’t get hurt. She twirled her coffee cup. “Well, I suppose we could reach a new deal.”
Allen sat back, distrust darkening his eyes. “Go on.”
“In order to mass produce the spray, I’m going to need several more facilities in the form of production and distribution. You have an excellent pipeline throughout most of the world. You pay me ten billion dollars so I can create the production facilities, and we use your distribution channels.”
“Sure,” Lance said. “For sixty percent of the company.”
“Twenty,” Tabi said, sipping calmly.
God, she was magnificent. Evan sat back to just watch her work, his chest expanding. From day one, she’d fascinated him. The first time he’d kissed her, he’d sank into home. Every new facet of her was fascinating…and his.
Allen laughed. “Not a chance, demonness. We’ll give you no money up front but use our production and distribution systems for half the company. Forever.”
“No,” she said, finishing her drink. “My production facilities, because I don’t trust you not to steal the invention. In my position, you wouldn’t, either. Ten billion up front, and you get a thirty percent interest in the company. That’s my final offer, and you have until tomorrow morning to decide. After that, I go another avenue.” She pushed back her chair and stood.
Evan followed suit, leaving money on the table for all of the coffee. “Thank you, gentlemen.” He pressed a hand to the small of his mate’s back and escorted her from the restaurant, acutely aware of the different atmosphere from the shifters. Hot and angry.
Furious.
* * * *
Tabi held her head up high as she slipped into the passenger side of her own car. “I don’t see why you have to drive.”
He sat and looked at her, starting the engine. “You drive too fast. Way too fast.”
“I like speed,” she protested.
“Yeah, well this is a peaceful place with kids who don’t look both ways before chasing a ball across a street,” he countered, driving out into the quiet main drag.
There was the small town cop she’d crushed on from day one. Thinking of kids chasing baseballs. How was he the same guy who’d dug a grave the night before? “Are you okay about last night?”
He slowed down to let two elderly ladies cross the street toward the Eagles’ Lodge. “Yes.”
“I’m talking about killing someone and then burying his body—outside of the law.” Had she ruined him?
He stopped at the one stop sign in the town, turning to look at her. Full on, blue stare. “He threatened what’s mine. He threatened you. I’m absolutely fine with him no longer being a threat.”
Whoa. Oh boy. Okay. “Is this a new thing, since we mated?” Maybe she should call the queen.
“I was a sniper for a SEAL Team before becoming a detective here as I prepared to die, sweetheart. I don’t like killing, but I will protect my country and now you, with whatever means are necessary.” His broad hands were more than capable on the steering wheel, and the muscles in his forearms flexed nicely. At least he hadn’t broken the car yet.
She studied him. Strong and capable. He was dressed in a dark T-shirt with faded jeans, filling out both with ripped muscles. His body was impressive, and there was no doubt he was intelligent. But his heart, the protective way he had of caring for the people in the town, was what had caught her eye. Even though she’d been in trouble after beating the crap out of those boys who’d tried to mess with her, he’d been sweet and had helped her through the court system.
Her heart warmed.
He took another turn, heading back to his house. “Since we’re talking billions here, how much is enough? Why not go into business with these guys?”
“They’re jerks, and you can never have enough. It’s the only way to stay safe,” she countered.
“You mated me. That’s your way to stay safe,” he said, his voice way too calm.
