“I’d like to offer you a job, Sandy. It’ll be a pretty easy, but detail-oriented position.” Christoph placed his mug on her tray. “Whatever you’re making here, Wilhem and I will triple it.”

Wilhem cocked a brow. “I believe what he means, is we’ll triple it if you want the position.”

He smirked. “You’ll be our personal assistant.” They needed one. He and Wilhem had gone back and forth with the idea for some time now. Sandy, though living in a pretty posh apartment, appeared to need it. For the moment, Christoph would call it his crazy lion senses hitting overdrive.

“Personal assistant? When would I start?” She drew her bottom lip between her teeth before glancing over her shoulder.

“Today. Leave with us—me. You can help me. I have some important tasks to complete today and could use a hand.”

Sandy looked over her shoulder once more, then grinned. “Sure. When you’re ready to leave, I’ll be at the front counter.”

“I’m ready to go now.” Christoph lifted his chin at his brother. “He’ll be paying.”

“You’re a right asshole.” Wilhem shook his head. “Never take him with you to lunch. He’ll steal you blind.” He threw a few bills on the table then stood. “Christoph will meet you at the door. I have work to do at the office. Welcome aboard, Sandy.”

Once the mid-day sun warmed the overly chilly air, Christoph sighed. The winters weren’t horrible in Cape Town, but it could be better. Today happened to be one of their milder days, a hint of spring to come. “Here is the deal.” Even though his brother didn’t want to have some fancy party for his birthday, Christoph would still do it for him. Wilhem had to become Alpha. “Our birthday is fast approaching, and I plan to throw a celebration for my brother.”

“But you’re twins. Who will be throwing a bash for you?” She walked beside him, her gait quickening to keep up with his long strides.

“His is more important right now. Our father has old customs. Settling down and getting married ideals.”

She snorted. “Sounds like some people I know back home.”

The disdain in her words surprised him. “Then you’re perfect for this job. I don’t believe in forced arrangements or anyone marrying unless they are happy. My brother won’t get the opportunity to experience that. So, this party is a last hurrah for him.”

“Is he leaving?” She peered up at him, and a part of Christoph wished she was the one for him.

“No. We’re going to make sure he falls in love.”

Sandy laughed. “I don’t think it’s possible to fall in love the first time you meet someone.”

“You don’t believe in kismet?”

She shook her head. “Nope. I think love takes work. It takes trust and time. The minute you proclaim your love for someone, one of three things can happen. They leave you, they use it against you, or they love you back. Statistically speaking, being used and someone leaving happens more than the third.”

Damn. He stopped mid-stride. “Don’t ever think that.” He hauled her against him, hugging her tight. “Love is many things, but with the right person it will work.” He let her go and continued. “Anyway, since we’re pretty much the go to company for events—I’m not saying that because I’m conceited. It’s the truth. Anyway, I have several single clients who have had their eyes on my brother for a while.”

“You’re setting them up?” She looked up at him with an incredulous expression on her face. “Do you honestly think it’ll work?”

“I’m hoping so. My brother is dedicated to his work. He never takes a moment to play. When he does though, it’s nothing serious. He’s not… drawn to the person. It’s a fad for him.”

“Wow. So your brother is a player. And you are?”

“I guess I’m the same,” he answered, ducking his head slightly.

“Are you playing me? Hope I’ll be one of your conquests you can talk to Wilhem about while I’m out busting my ass to help you?” Directness. Christoph liked that in a woman. Sandy had it in spades and didn’t have a problem with being blunt. However, when it came to her personally, she shut down and deflected.

“No, never.”

“That’s it? That’s all you have to say?” She arched a brow.

“Yes?”

“You’re not going to try and change my mind?”

They were playing twenty questions. “Nope. I don’t have the time to do so. Are you with me?”

Sandy stopped. She stared at Christoph for a moment. “At least you won’t be lying to me.”

“Lying gets you nowhere.”

“Sure. So, find your brother a wife. We can do this.” She brushed past Christoph. “Where do we start?”

“Venders. I think I know of a place where we can hold the event. I also need to call up a few friends. We can go through eligible bachelorettes this afternoon, if you’re still enjoying the job.” He followed her. “We have three weeks to figure this out before our birthday.”

“Then we don’t have time to waste.”

“No, we don’t.” He stopped in front of his build. “This is us.” Christoph held the door for her.

She stopped. “Really?”

“Yeah.” He chuckled holding the door open for her. “We don’t work out of our parents’ garage.”

 

“While you’ve been working on eligible women, I’ve come up with a caterer and a list of beverage providers.” Sandy placed the list in front of him, covering the pictures of the women he’d chosen for his brother.

“Perfect. Which do you like?” He glanced at the list and noted Edmondo Stellari, vintner and family friend.

Sandy bit her lip. “Edmondo’s wine is some of the finest, I suppose. But, if you want more than wine, you’d have to choose from the others.”

Christoph nodded. “We could always have a bartender from the event site, and use Edmondo’s wine to supplement the alcohol.”

She grinned. “Perfect. Have you picked the women for your brother?”

He lifted the paper she placed in front of him. “These twenty beauties.”

“They’re pretty.”

“But?” he hedged.

“Nothing.” She shook her head. “Do you think they’ll like him?”

“Do you?”

“Well, I don’t matter,” she mumbled. “I’d hate to know they wanted him just because of his money.”

Christoph laughed. “We’re always wanted for our money. However, we also can discern between those who are good diggers, and those who genuinely like us.”

“Huh, okay.” She pushed the pictures around. “I think you did good. Your brother isn’t going to know what hit him.”

He thought so too, but he still worried. What if it didn’t work? What if the women he chose were like Sandy believed? The questions swirled through his mind as he continued to go over the finer details of his brother’s party. It was a little weird to be doing this. They’d always celebrated together, yet they wouldn’t be now. He supposed he could give himself a few moments to have a pity party. Feel sorry for himself that his brother was settling down, then he brushed it off. No way in hell he wanted the responsibility Wilhem had.

Of course, his brother might not find anyone.

He wasn’t ready to step up. He didn’t want to be alpha. He couldn’t put his finger on the whys of his decisions. He just didn’t. It had nothing to do with loyalty. Nothing to do with not having ambition or a sense of justice either. He enjoyed his life. He liked being free.

So, he had to make sure this worked out for Wilhem. His brother needed a mate and his pride needed an alpha. No pressure, Christoph. If you screw up, you’ll be the default alpha.

I’m screwed.

 

By the end of the day, he and Sandy had the party planned. She was putting the finishing touches on the invitations as he made sure they had the venue situated for what they’d need. He wanted it to be both indoors and outdoors. They’d need portable heaters to keep those who weren’t shifters like him and his brother warm, while also giving those like them a minute to catch their breath. He had an orchestra lined up along with a DJ. They were going to keep it classy while his father and mother were there, then by midnight, they’d open the area up and give the space a club-like feel.

He hoped by then his brother would have made his intentions known, and everything would be finished. Consummating the mating would be tricky in this setting, but he figured his brother might have some plans of his own. Sure, it would be a little testy, but they were out of time. If his brother had something better, he sure as hell hadn’t said anything.

“I’m done,” Sandy said, walking into his office. “I’ve got the invitations ready to go.”

“Perfect,” he replied, standing. “How about you take them down to the mailroom, and then we’ll order some dinner. Wilhem will be here shortly and we can go over the rest of the details with him.”

“Uh… I don’t want to impose.”

“You’re not.” He grinned.

“Okay,” she answered. “I still don’t understand why you’re being so nice to me though.”

Christoph shrugged. “Sometimes you just know when you see someone who can use the help.”

Sandy glanced away. “Well, thank you.”

Whatever she hid, he couldn’t worry about it right now. Later, when his brother had everything he needed, Christoph would dig a little on the girl living in the expensive apartment, but working in a coffee shop. Until then, he’d keep an eye on her.

“You’re welcome.” He pointed to the invitations. “You did make one out for yourself, didn’t you?”

She stared at him.

“Yes, Sandy, you’re welcome to join us. It’ll be fun.”

“Oh no. I couldn’t. I mean, I shouldn’t. You know, money stuff. Things. I would stick out.”

“I don’t take no very well,” he teased. “Come on, you’ll have a blast and meet some people.”

“You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?”

He laughed. “No, not at all.”

Sandy sighed while trying to hide a smile. “Okay. I’ll go.”

“Perfect.”

Wilhem entered the office seconds later. “What’s going on?”

“Sandy has agreed to attend your birthday bash, and she’s eating dinner with us.” He winked at their new assistant.

“Good to know,” Wilhem replied. “How about we go out for dinner instead? I know a great little tai place across town.”