Page 135 of Hunters and Prey

“And you look amazing. What are you supposed to be?”

Cailyn cracked her best smile and accepted the champagne he handed to her.

“A swan,” she lied. Her gaze swept over the room, focusing on the aerial dancers that hung and spun from the ceiling.

“Wow.” She took a sip. “It’s quite a party…and the service here is spot on. And easy on the eyes,” she said with a wink at Connor.

Connor chuckled. “Why thank you. I saw you enter and swiped two flutes off the nearest server tray. Did you have fun with Tessa?”

She nodded and scanned the room. Clusters of immaculately dressed guests filled almost every inch of the room. The room was lit with crystal chandeliers that looked as though they were passed down from royalty. Even the servers were remarkable. All dressed in black with white masks that covered their eyes, the servers looked as though they’d each had a cover in Vogue Magazine.

Connor did appreciate beauty.

“I did. Thank you for letting me see her.”

“You can see anyone you want. Except your family, of course.”

Tensing, Cailyn avoided letting him see the scowl on her face. She couldn’t even visit her brother to make the curse had been completely broken.

She changed the subject. “What a great turnout. Haven Cove folk love their costume parties.”

He held out his arm and she accepted. “I’ll take you around to meet a few important people.”

“I thought I was supposed to be the one to show you around?”

“I took it upon myself to get to know the important people in my town. I am a businessman after all.”

Cailyn flashed a smile. She was going to need more alcohol to keep up such a fake act.

“Well, I hope you know some important people that can help me out.”

“Why? What happened?”

She shrugged. “My car broke down and I really need a tow truck.”

He looked concerned. He covered her hand with his. “How did you get here?”

“I walked.” She drank her champagne and handed the empty flute to a passing server. Picking up another glass she flashed a smile to Connor. “It’s no big deal really. It’s just annoying.”

“Tell me where your car is and I’ll have it towed to my mechanic. He’ll take good care of it.”

“Thank you. You have your own mechanic already?”

“I do,” he said. “Come, meet Mayor Stone.”

Cailyn followed along, her mind racing despite her cool expression. Her eyes flickered up to the aerial dancers again. She envied them. Her urge to run outside and fly away nearly overcame her.

She hoped her plan would work.

“Sure. I’d love to meet the mayor,” she said.

“Cailyn?”

Her smile was wiped from her face when she turned to look at who called her name.

Paling, Cailyn’s face turned to horror. She let go of Connor’s arm.

“Asher!”

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