Page 77 of Haunting the Hunter

“She’d love to. Pick her up at six.”

I smack the back of his head when he hangs up, grinning at me.

“Oops,” he giggles, rubbing at his head. “Guess you have a date.”

I motion like I’m going to punch him in the arm, and he flinches. I barely stop myself.

This is a terrible idea… but maybe Jackisright.

“You’ll call me if anything gets fucky. Got that?” I warn, pointing a finger at him, my eyes narrowed.

“Yes, ma’am!” he crows with a smile and a salute, victory written all over his face.

I groan and stomp out like a child, and his laugh echoes behind me as I slam the door. But deep down, I feel… relieved I wasn’t given a choice. My stomach flutters at the thought of being out for the night with my demon. Almost like something normal—if that’s even possible for us.

I open my closet, staring at my clothes in thought, Alabaster nowhere in sight. I pull out a black dress that stops mid-thigh and some tights, closing my eyes and trying to picture a costume idea. Maybe I can tape some black paper to a headband and dress up as Karma.

I move to toss the dress on my bed and freeze. There’s a small black box that definitely wasn’t there before.

I sit down on the edge of the bed, unwrapping the intricate ribbon with care.

It looks expensive.

Inside is a black lace mask with catlike eye holes and pointed tips. It’s exactly what I would’ve chosen. I grin to myself and jump up to finish getting ready.

I throw on some eyeliner—a sharp cat eye and some red lipstick. I slip into the dress and tights, placing the mask over my eyes, and when I look in the mirror, I barely recognize myself. I actually look… stunning. I smirk at my reflection.

Not bad.

I grab my purse just as I hear Jack shout from downstairs: “Your date is here, Calli!”

I open the door and immediately trip over the hallway runner, nearly rolling my ankle. I catch myself on the wall and carefully descend the stairs in my six-inch heels. At the bottom, Jack stares up at me, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.

And there, in the doorway, is Alabaster.

His eyes aren’t glowing—but they look hungry. He fills the doorframe with his massive body, horns in full view, wearing black jeans and a fitted V-neck.

My breath catches. Damn.

I reach the bottom step and Jack clears his throat.

“You guys look fucking amazing! You two kids have fun, you hear? Be careful,” he whispers to me as he gently nudges me toward the door.

“Cool-ass costume, dude,” he calls to Alabaster, laughing as he closes the door behind us.

Alabaster says nothing, just smiles slowly and places his hand on the small of my back, guiding me to the driveway.

That’s when I see it: a bright red Ferrari. The same color as my lipstick.

“Where the fuck did you get this?” I gasp, my eyes going wide.

“Don’t ask questions you really don’t want the answers to. Just get in, my little feline.” He opens the door for me, with a wink that definitely flashes some fang.

I pause, one foot in the car as I peer up at him. “Thanks for the mask. I really like it,” I murmur, almost shyly.

He tilts his head, curious eyes flicking to the mask. “I didn’t give that to you.” Leaning in, his breath hits my ear. “But I like it.”

A shiver crawls down my spine at the rumble in his voice.