from Richard. Again. And a third time.
She ignored the calls in favor of examining herself critically in a floor-length mirror.
The quick-draw bands at her wrists faded into the shadows of the sleeves of the black, silver, and gray fabric of the dress, but were still too conspicuous. With the addition of some thick Swarovski bracelets studded with diamonds and opals, a matching choker, and a touch of Chanel No. 5 at her wrists and throat, she felt ready to take on the entire pack.
For the thrill of it, she twisted and hurled one of the daggers in one smooth motion, embedding it in the frame of the dresser across the room, just above where her cell phone still rang and rang. A smile curved her lips when she noted the blade had landed precisely on the knot of wood she’d been aiming for.
With leisurely strides, she crossed the room, glancing down at the phone before working the dagger out of the wood. Tucking it back within its sheath, she then turned her phone off and slipped it in her purse, heading for the door.
As much as she hoped things would stay civil tonight, she would be prepared for anything.
CHAPTER 9
The first sign of a nervous breakdown is when you start thinking your work is terribly important.
—Milo Bloom
Cassandra greeted Tiffany at the door, taking in her outfit in one quick, critical sweep. It dragged a reluctant smile out of her, for it met and exceeded every expectation for the impromptu dinner she’d arranged.
Getting Gabriel to agree to stay home for the affair had not been terribly difficult. At his word, the remaining single males in the pack, to a one, had agreed to come. Many of them had arrived early in hopes of making a good impression, and were not disappointed by the entrance of the leggy, stunning blonde who put the shining crystals and modern art in Cassandra’s smallest, most intimate dining room to shame.
Tiffany sat near Gabriel and Cassandra at the head of the table, setting her purse at her side and placing the signed contract beside her plate. She accepted a glass of wine and the brief introductions of the few men she hadn’t met at Alexis’s party a few days before. Several of the more prominent members of the pack had come as well, including the other werewives and their spouses. Vera, thankfully, kept her comments to herself, though she was clearly displeased with this turn of events.
Though no one mentioned anything about the pack at first, after Cassandra’s cook brought out the hors d’oeuvres, guests complimented Cassandra on the fare and the talk took a more serious shift. Gabriel cleared his throat, getting the silent attention of his guests within moments.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” he said, giving Tiffany a nod. “I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that we have a new applicant for membership in our pack.”
“Ah, is that what this is all about?”
“Yes, Phillip. I’ll thank you not to lick your chops like a big, bad wolf and scare our honored guest away.” That garnered some laughter, as well as a wink and a grin in Tiffany’s direction from Phillip. The laughter became more genuine at her blushes. “As most of you know, expanding our numbers has always been a priority. The Diamondfang pack has welcomed society’s elite into our ranks for decades, long before humanity openly acknowledged the existence of the supernatural. Now, under the circumstances, I felt it best if we addressed some important aspects of her request as a group, rather than allow speculation and rumors to sully what should be a joyous occasion.
“Tiffany Winters has admitted to connections to a group of hunters—the White Hats—in New York.”
The room exploded with dissent, exclamations of shock and outrage, several of the werewolves rising from their seats or even letting a touch of their inner beasts peek out of their eyes as they snarled their displeasure. Vera seemed especially incensed, her accusing tones laced with triumph as she rose from her seat and pointed at Tiffany, sneering as she shouted, “I knew it! I told you she was trouble!”
Tiffany scowled, but said nothing, clutching her hands tightly together in her lap. She wouldn’t meet the eyes of any of the wolves, knowing better than to give their aggression ammunition by giving them challenging looks.
Gabriel watched for a few moments, eyes narrowed. Shortly, his calm, collected, and deadly quiet voice cut through the din.
“Sit down. All of you.”
None dared