He swung my arm a little and smiled. “It’s a shame we haven’t gotten to know each other better. There’s always too much going on when we have the parties or get-togethers to really talk. You should swing by the house more often. I know you’re a busy woman, but I hope you find a reason to visit.”

Ben gave my hand a light squeeze and stood up, brushing my arm in a friendly way before heading outside.

Deciding I needed privacy, I returned to my room. Lexi had offered me one of the upstairs rooms, but I felt like an intruder and had convinced her I’d be happier in their attached heat house.

After closing the door, I sat down on the sofa and dialed the number from the note left in my apartment.

“I’ve been expecting your call,” a voice replied. The rich timbre of it made me shudder.

“I presume this is Delgado,” I said. “Let’s talk business, shall we?”

“Let’s. I’m sorry to inform you that we are no longer in need of your services at the club. However, I just so happen to have another position that is opening up.”

“And?”

“I ran across a valuable piece of information that suggested you might be of the feline persuasion.”

“And who would have passed along a rumor such as that? Did he happen to be carrying a strobe light?”

“Watch the insults. If you take me for a fool—”

“No,” I quickly said. “You’re obviously a resourceful man. But I’m an inquisitive woman and find it intriguing that you didn’t approach me yourself and ask. Henchmen seem so… last century.”

“Seems a waste of breath to quibble about such an irrelevant topic.”

“So tell me about this position.”

“Now it is you who intrigues me. Have you ever fought in the panther pits? I’m not talking about the amateur fighting rings that go on in the back woods. I’m referring to the well-organized fights that take place indoors. There are admission fees and steep bets on the table. Victors are generously rewarded.”

“It’s illegal.”

“No one seems to comprehend that we are the ones in control now.”

“We? Rumor has it you’re a human.”

Delgado moaned a little. “What I am matters little when I fill pockets with gold coins. Shifter history is tainted in blood. These fights give strong men and women a chance to reclaim their honor. How long do you wish to hide in the shadows, ashamed of someone finding out you’re a panther? I can give you more than just money. You’ll walk among warriors, revered in the most prestigious social circles with the roar of the crowd chanting your name.”

“I get that on stage every night.”

“Maybe so, but does your panther? What I mentioned is what I can offer your animal. What can I offer you? Riches beyond your wildest dreams. To never worry if you’ll have money in three or six hundred years, because this will pay more than the meager wages of an exotic dancer.”