Page 72 of Fanged Desire
I frowned, running a hand through my hair. "I’m sorry – soirée?"
"It’s a masquerade party, I think. They’re busy setting up. Fancy masks, high-class elves. I couldn’t get a good look at what they’re doing, but they’re up to something, no doubt.” I heard more swishing from his end, and then a few muttered curses.
I waited expectantly, before Caden continued, “I scoped it out as much as I could. The security is tighter than a drum, but the masks give you a shot. Disguises might help you blend in, you might even get past the guards.”
“And if we don’t?”
“Then I hope you like getting shot at. Look, Hunter, this place is crawling with elves and it’s only going to get worse. If you’re going to try this, you’d better be damn sure.”
Before I could reply, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. Addison, standing barefoot in the lobby, rubbing her eyes like she’d just woken up. She spotted me, her face shifting from sleepy confusion to sharp alertness. She mouthedCaden?and I nodded.
“Who’s that?” Caden asked at the other end.
“None of your business,” I said quickly, watching Addison approach. “Anything else I need to know?”
“Just that you’re an idiot for trying this,” Caden muttered dryly. “But what else is new?”
"You’re just full of helpful tips, aren’t you?"
"I live to serve," Caden drawled. "And don’t think I don’t know who you’re doing this for. I hope that woman is worth the risk."
“All right.” I sighed, rubbing my temple. "We’ll be careful. Thanks, Caden."
"Don’t thank me yet. And if this goes south, don’t call me. I’ve got a toddler teething and a wife who will kill me if I bring supernatural trouble to our doorstep."
I sighed, setting down the receiver and turning to Addison. “Caden’s got intel. Cathy’s mansion is hosting some kind of masquerade party tonight.”
Addison tilted her head and blew a stray strand of hair off her nose. “A masquerade party? Sounds… fun?”
I slipped my hands in my pockets, raising a brow. "You think so? High-class elves with a penchant for stealing humans and hating vampires. A real blast."
Addison rolled her eyes. "Anyway. We should get Ethan."
I faked a laugh, before shooting her a pointed stare. "No."
"Yes." Addison stood her ground. "He’s a stripper. He knows how to charm people. He could be useful."
I groaned, throwing my head back. "Addison, Ethan’s idea of ‘charm’ is flexing his abs and winking at people. He’ll get us caught in five minutes."
"He also has a killer wardrobe, and he’s a massive hit at parties." Addison stepped closer. "And, like it or not, we could use all the help we can get."
I gritted my teeth, muttering a string of curses under my breath before finally conceding. "The guy doesn’t know squat about the supernatural. If he gets us kicked out or killed, it’s on you."
Addison grinned triumphantly. "I can live with that.”
Come nightfall, the three of us were crouched behind a line of trees just outside Cathy’s mansion, the distant glow of lights casting long shadows across the sprawling grounds. Ethan was fussing with his mask, muttering to himself as I adjusted mycuffs, the rich fabric of my stupidly purple suit catching the faint moonlight.
Addison stood nearby in a red dress that practically glowed against the night, the striking color more suited for a ballroom than a break-in. She also reeked of floral perfume, the only solution we could think of to mask her ‘special’ scent.
The two of us had turned up at Ethan’s apartment earlier that day, flustered, bedraggled, and babbling out plans faster than the poor guy could blink. Despite his uncanny ability to get on my nerves, I was grateful for the young blond’s participation. The guy had organized masks, collected outfits, and even rented a car to get us to the estate. As it turned out, Ethan was more useful than I gave him credit for.
“You know,” Ethan whispered, straightening the lapels of his jacket, “for a ragtag group of club cretins, I think we clean up pretty nicely.”
Addison offered a strained smile as she smoothed the fabric of her dress. “You’re still on espionage duty, Ethan. Don’t let the suit go to your head.”
The skinny blond only scoffed. “I know the plan. I’ll offer them a few smiles, pour a few drinks, maybe shake my ass, and they’ll be eating out of my hand.”
“Sure,” I said dryly, tilting my head to make sure my mask fit snugly. “Just don’t oversell it. You don’t want to be the guest of honor at an elf party.”
