Page 41 of Pack Choice

“Well, if you work it out, be sure to tell us,” Bliss says, filling her cup from the coffee pot, “and if you ever discover anything about those mystery lunches of his, tell us that too.”

“We’ve been trying to work that one out for the past six months,” Brad adds.

“Lunch?”

“Yep, every day he disappears for lunch with the instruction not to be disturbed. And no one knows where he goes or who he meets,” Bliss says, giving me a knowing look.

“Probably goes to fill up on his human supply of blood,” Brad mutters and Ford snorts.

“He hasn’t let me into any secrets so far,” I say. “I’m in the dark too.”

“Good luck,” Bliss says as she steps out of the kitchen.

“And thanks for the cupcakes,” Brad says.

“Tell the others they’re here, will you?”

“Sure,” Bliss agrees.

“See,” I tell Ford. “Works every time. Are you sure you don’t want some?”

Ford’s eyes flash. How does everything floating out of my mouth sound so damn dirty today?

11

Molly

I thinkBrad may be right about Colten being a creature of the dark, feeding on the blood of his innocent victims because when I deliver a package to his desk in the afternoon, he looks up from his computer and says:

“Have you made that call to the orphanage yet?”

“What call?” I say innocently.

“The City orphanage, to let them know I won’t be making tonight’s event.”

“No, I think you should make that call yourself if you’re going to let all those children down.”

“Nope, Miss Stormgate. That is your job. It’s what I’m paying you for.”

I grumble under my breath. “What if I found you a date to take along?”

“Let me guess, your Great Aunt Ethel.” I smirk at him. “Nope, I know who I want to take.”

I turn and look at him, resting my hands on my hips. “I’m trying to get my coworkers to like me–”

“Why?”

“Why? Because I don’t want to end up locked in a broom closet.”

He frowns. “Has someone threatened to lock you in a broom cupboard because if they–”

“No, no, it was a joke. But everyone always ends up hating the assistant if she starts dating the boss.”

“We won’t be dating. It’s justadate.”

I narrow my eyes. “Just one date?”

“For the children.”