Chapter 9

Casper

The first person I bumped into when I walked into the ballroom was my father. I fought hard not to roll my eyes at my bad luck.

He always seemed to take it personally when I didn’t find my mate, and usually took out his frustration on me, like I was some kind of failure.

I braced myself for it.

“So, did you meet her?” he asked with a glint in his eye.

I was momentarily thrown. Did it look like I had found my mate? I held back my sarcastic reply, and instead said, “No, not this time.”

My dad frowned briefly but then his face cleared as he said, “No, not your mate, I was talking about Miss Hartley.”

“Oh, yes,” I said in response, but then immediately grew suspicious at his tone. “Why, what have you got planned Dad?”

“Oh nothing, nothing,” he said patting my shoulder lightly.

I knew him better than that. But I also knew it wouldn’t be wise to push him either. I’m sure I would find out soon enough.

“Where is she anyway?” my dad asked.

“Oh, I’ve assigned a member of staff to h