Page 35 of Demon Huntress
“That’s it,” Flash said with a smarmy grin.
“That’s fucking stupid,” Slade growled.
“Hey,” Flash protested. “Don’t act like I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“You don’t know what you’re doing,” Slade shot back.
“Take it easy,” Cass said. “We’ve got time to flesh out the plan.”
Slade covered his face with his palm. “Whatever the fuck you guys have got happening, I have no choice but to be a part of it. My kid sister is there, and she’s not going to stop. If I want to keep her safe, this is what I have to do.”
“Nice to know you have so much confidence in me, bro,” Flash muttered.
“What’s the first step? Are we just going to jump on Crenshaw when he gets out of his limo somewhere?”
“There’s a mixer tonight,” Cass said. “Big bash for the night before Halloween. We think it might be a good opportunity to isolate Crenshaw.”
“It might,” Slade said, thinking. “Is anyone going to pay much attention to us? I want to get in too.”
“That’s cool,” Cass said. “I’ve got Flash an invite. You can go as my plus one.”
“Good,” Slade said, nodding. He was relieved that he’d be there to protect his mate and his kid sister.
“What are you going to wear?” Flash asked, gesturing at Cassandra. She laughed at his doubtful expression.
“I don’t know. I don’t think I have a dress for this type of occasion.”
“Then let us take you out,” Slade said. “I don’t want our cover in jeopardy even slightly.”
Cass agreed, and Slade went to clean up and change. As soon as he was done, he ushered them to the car, and they drove to the nearest mall.
While Cass looked at dresses, Flash wandered off to check out some stores. Slade found himself relaxing as Cass tried on outfits. He could tell she wasn’t used to being treated like this, and she was enjoying herself.
I’ll see Jenny tonight if she’s at the party. Then I can see that she’s safe. Maybe even talk her out of this nonsense.
“Okay, Slade,” Cass said, coming out of the changing room in a slinky red number. Slade gasped at the length of exposed thigh as well as how the crimson set off her pale skin and golden hair.
“You can pick out as many as you want,” Slade said. “Don’t think about just tonight. I want you to have all sorts of nice things.”
“Where am I going to wear it?” she said, laughing. “Demon hunting? Should I pair it with combat boots?”
“If you like,” Slade said, grinning. “I like the look.”
Cass turned and disappeared into the stalls. Shortly after that, he heard her cursing up a storm.
“What is it?” he called, going to the door of her fitting room, hoping no one was in the next space.
“I can’t get this zipper,” she muttered.
“May I come in?”
“Sure.”
Slade pushed the door open and saw Cass struggling to reach a zipper stopped at the midpoint of her back. Even though she was trying to reach it from both directions, she couldn’t quite catch it in either hand. Slade took a moment to admire the short, sequined black dress. He hoped she’d pick this one for tonight.
“Here,” he said, “let me.”
Cass lifted her hair, and Slade grabbed the edge of the zipper and slowly sealed the back of the dress, admiring her soft, pale skin as he did. Her scent enveloped him, and Slade gulped, almost drunk on her natural perfume.
