“Florist?” I said dryly.
His eyes flashed silver. “Your disrespect is going to get you killed one day.”
I blinked. “Excuse me?” My power rumbled through the air. Simone jerked her hand away and stood, an apologetic look flashing over her face. “Are you threatening me?”
Garrett took a step toward me. “I don’t need to threaten you. If I wanted to kill you, you’d never see me coming.”
I grinned, letting a little of the Evie who was not a Floromancer out, my mother’s daughter and enough Chimera to make him stop and blink. “I’d like to see you try, dog.”
Simone sucked in a breath.
“Garrett!” Caelan barked. “Stand down.”
The Shifter Lord got between us, his back facing me. “Peace, Garrett.”
“She’s a tainted bitch,” he spat.
My stomach dropped. What did he mean by that? My magic was mixed, yes, but my tattoo protected the truth of my tainted blood. Had it failed?
“Garrett,” Simone said softly. She walked over to him and touched his arm. I saw no magic coming from her, but his aggression rapidly cooled until it was almost completely gone. “Evie is not harmful.”
He scoffed. “If you could see how she looks at me, you’d rethink that statement.”
“I didn’t come into your house and insult you multiple times,” I snapped.
Caelan turned to face me. “My apologies, Evie. My Beta meant no harm.”
I laughed. “The hell he didn’t.”
His jaw tightened. “I’m asking for your patience.”
“I’m still standing here with my magic leashed, Shifter Lord. Today, it’s all the patience you deserve.” I glanced at Simone. “Besides her. Simone is cool. Maybe just send her next time.”
Simone closed her eyes as if she were asking for patience, and I almost laughed.
“I’ll remember that,” Caelan said, a touch of exasperation in his voice, before he turned to me. “We need your services, Evie.”
“And I told you I was booked.” I had no idea if I was or not, but the odds were good we’d have something on the books. If not, I’d find something to occupy us to keep from working with him again.
“Do you not want to work with the Pack?” he asked.
“I have no quarrel with the Pack. There are two other florists in the local area. Perhaps one of them might be available.”
Gold flashed in Caelan’s eyes. His jaw tightened. “There are no other Floromancers in this area.” A short pause. “As I’m sure you know.”
“One doesn’t need to be a Floromancer to provide flowers for an event.” My tone was polite but firm. “If that’s all, I have several orders I need to fill. I’m happy to show you out.”
Garrett snarled and turned on his heel, storming out of my office. Simone gave me an imploring look. I really did like her but having Caelan in my shop wasn’t great for business.
Everyone just assumed I was in trouble or worse. Looky loos had already started peeking through my windows after his first visit. I couldn’t imagine what would happen after this one.
“Simone, please give us a moment.”
The Omega’s face went white. “Of course.” She hurried out of the room, leaving only me and the Shifter Lord.
He took a couple of steps until he was less than a foot away. His crackling power sparked against my skin. My heart beat like a frightened deer, but I stood my ground. Caelan’s proximity bothered me more than this confrontation, and I was having trouble focusing my thoughts with him so close to me.
“While my Beta’s reaction was regrettable,” Caelan said, the timbre of his voice deeper than before, “it is in your best interest to accept this job.”
