I only had concerns with Ben. He’d been absent, and it hadn’t gone unnoticed. Neither he nor Wheeler had discussed what had happened between them, but something was going on. I tried cornering Wheeler in my room to talk about it, but he changed the topic by attacking me with kisses.

He was really good at that, and I loved a man who knew how to start a new topic.

I also loved a man who brushed my cat.

“Naya, you look… I mean, is that costume legal?” Lexi asked.

“Only in three states, but we’ll find a way to make do.”

I glanced down at my costume, which was more than I’d be wearing if I were still working at the club. A red satin corset with black trim hugged my body, and a black ruffle skirt hung from my hips, short in the front with a slight tail in the back. What really set it off was the garter belt and heels. All our costumes came with masks—mine was a simple black mask over the eyes with feathers on the side.

“Austin still hasn’t seen my outfit,” she said, holding out her skirt. “What do you think he’ll say?”

“Hot tamale! The man is going to pass out cold and need mouth-to-mouth.”

Lexi had chosen a classic eighteenth-century ball gown—delicate gold the color of champagne, and a subtle petticoat beneath to give it a lift. An open neckline with a wide ruffle drew attention to her chest, whereas the rest of her body was covered. Her loose sleeves had lace at the wrists, and there was such attention to detail on every delicate texture and fold of the fabric that it was difficult to look away.

Lexi snapped out her fan and flipped her wrist, sending waves of air toward her face. She had pinned up her brown hair and wore only a hint of blush and lipstick.

“If you want to know the truth, darling, all the men will be looking at you. This?” I said, pointing down at my outfit. “They can pay to see it at any hot club. But you are going to make every Packmaster green with envy. You’re regal.”

She fanned harder. “I feel more like cookies in a hot oven. Can you tell Denver to run downstairs and crank the air lower? When this house fills up with Shifters, it’s going to be even hotter. Dammit! I have to pee again. This should be a fun evening. I might as well walk around with an easy-access hole in my skirt.”

I giggled and approached the door. “Good luck with that. Just don’t bend over or you’re likely to start a pack war. I’ll go take care of the air.”

Austin was looming outside the door, anxiously trying to steal a glimpse. He was dressed like a classic gangster in a pinstripe suit, fedora hat, and a black mask. I pushed him back. “Get downstairs and turn on some air. Your mate is about to expire if this house doesn’t get any cooler.”