Page 15 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

I nod, breathing out slowly, trying to get control of myself.

I watch Cassian round the front of the car, pausing when Ethan’s brother meets him. They’re directly in front of the vehicle, giving me a good view of the conversation.

From the relative safety of my seat, I study the man. He doesn’t look as much like Ethan as I first thought. His hair is the same shade of blond, but he wears it short. His shoulders are a little broader, and his eyes are light instead of dark.

His complexion, however, is just as flawless, and it doesn’t look like there’s any extra fat under his casual business attire.

Apparently, Ethan shared immortal life with him.

That’s great.

My unease increases as the men shake hands. It’s clear they’re sizing each other up, and I don’t think that’s a good sign.

They walk toward the house. When it looks like they’re going to disappear through the front door, I make a stupid decision—I get out of the vehicle.

Why? I have no idea. Except maybe I don’t like Cassian going in by himself, and two against one makes for better odds.

But as Ethan’s brother turns to me, my legs become gelatin.

What am I thinking? It’s not like I can save Cassian from being murdered with my paltry self-defense skills. And besides, like he said, he’s over two hundred years old. He’s had a good run.

“Hello,” the man says, and thank goodness, his voice is nothing like Ethan’s.

“Hi,” I say awkwardly, lifting my hand in a lame wave.

Cassian jerks his chin like he wants me to join him. Meekly, I do as requested.

The man extends his hand. “I’m Hunter Brennan.”

Gulping, I step forward. His skin is warm, not hot, confirming my suspicion he’s a monster, just like Cassian and me.

I nod, feeling like a bobblehead doll.

“And you are…?”

I have a name. I mean, obviously. But I’m not sure I shouldshareit. Maybe Ethan merely described me as a brunette with a nice smile, but it could be a tad bit suspicious if both brunettes are named Piper.

Not privy to my thoughts, Cassian says, “This is Piper. She’s my future business partner.”

“Piper?” Hunter asks, looking a little nervous now. “It’s nice to meet you. And…what do you do?” He pauses. “As a profession?”

“She’s a flower farmer,” Cassian answers.

I’m tempted to smack Cassian, but when I look at him, planning to tell him toshut upwith a stern gaze, I realize his expression is fixed on Hunter, and it’s rather…scary.

I guess we’re doing this now.

Hunter takes a subtle step back, his attention returning to the crazy vampire at my side. “A flower farmer?”

“She’s also one of my progenies,” Cassian continues. “Just like you’re one of my progenies. However, I like her—and I don’t particularly like you.”

The man utters a curse and takes several steps back, throwing his hands up. “I don’t want any trouble. I’m not involved in Ethan’s drama.”

A cool breeze sweeps down from the mountains, and several raindrops patter on the hood of Cassian’s vehicle. The cool weather is welcome, but I’m too distracted to enjoy it.

“I take it you know who I am?” Cassian stalks forward like a tiger.

“No, but I know what you are.” Hunter glances back like he’s about to make a run for it. “And like I said—I’m not involved, and I don’t want to be involved.”

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