The Wolves Next Door (4 page)

Julie
couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

She
seemed to be getting that a lot more lately. Ever since she decided to go on
these early morning runs, she couldn’t shake off the feeling she wasn’t alone.
But she never saw anyone.

This
was the safest neighborhood so she knew that she had nothing to fear. That’s
the main reason she’d chosen to buy property there, even though it cut a big
dent in her savings. She’d needed someplace her ex boyfriend would never think
to look for her.

And
lately she’d needed a way to release all the pent-up energy she seemed to have.
Ever since that eventful dinner three nights ago, Julie realized she needed an
outlet that could keep her mind off her strange desires. What did it all mean?

She
remembered how at first she’d considered her attraction for Caine and decided
she was going to be more open to his advances. But then meeting Ryan forced her
to face the reality that for the first time in her life, she was incredibly
attracted to not just one, but two men, and that she knew she’d never be able
to choose.

What
kind of woman did that make me?
She thought.

The
two men were so different yet so similar. Ryan was dominant, like deliciously
rugged passion that refused to be tamed, while Caine was the firm, yet gentle
lover who could easily charm his way into any woman’s bed. They were both sinfully
gorgeous and when she looked into their eyes she didn’t feel the usual
insecurities that a full figured woman like her sometimes felt. She only felt
genuinely wanted…appreciated, and it made her pulse quicken and her heart skip
a beat as the branding heat of their desire possessively claimed her full
attention with every encounter.   

But
then she’d force herself to break the spell and walk away from their delicious
invitations, later scolding herself for not seeing it through, not giving it a
chance. She just didn’t want to be
that
kind of woman. Whatever that
meant.  

She
was better off keeping to herself. That had always been the plan anyway. God
knows she had enough trouble with men in the past.

She
suddenly heard pounding feet behind her and glanced back to see a familiar
figure with dark hair wafting as he ran with fluid a stride. Ryan caught up
with her easily and the ready flash of his grin made all the common sense flee
from Julie’s head.

Stop
worrying about the risks of putting your heart on the line and just do it
already
, she told
herself as she caught his smoldering gaze, his piercing blue eyes nearly
blinding her in a wave of lust.

“Mind
if I join you?” he asked, though it really wasn’t a question.

“Oh.
Not at all, Ryan.” Julie replied, struggling to sound casual despite what
Ryan’s unexpected appearance was doing to that crazy libido she’d developed
since she’d met the two men. He easily kept up pace with her and her sidelong
glance took in his muscular, fit body encased in well-fitting running gear. His
golden tan was burnished with perspiration she felt ready to lick off. Every
muscle in his strong arms looked carved from adamantine steel.

“The
other night – at Caine’s place. I hope we didn’t do anything to scare you
off,” Ryan said, his lips curling into a grin.

“What?
No, um…, I don’t quite understand.” Julie replied in confusion, wondering what
he meant. She still couldn’t figure out what had happened that night and didn’t
want to give herself away. What if she really had made a fool of herself thanks
to being so tipsy? Had she thrown herself at them or worse, passed out from all
that wine?

“Okay,
good to hear. Because Caine was worried that you might be avoiding him, especially
with the way the night ended. You running off and everything.”

Julie
had to conceal her sigh of relief hearing that. At least she’d had the good
sense to make good her escape before she did anything stupid. She could almost
relax now.

“Oh
no, nothing like that,” she told him quickly. “I have just been really busy
working on some design portfolios for a new client and I’ve been stuck in my
office at home,” she explained, the effort causing her to become more
breathless than usual so she ground to a stop. She leaned against a nearby tree
and drew in a deep, refreshing breath. She looked around at the scenery and
couldn’t help feeling happy once again that she’d moved here. Out there in the
city she’d never had the chance to really exhale. This place made her feel as
though she’d found her home base, a place where she could truly relax and feel
safe.

“I’m
glad to hear that. I for one began to think I made you uncomfortable,” said
Ryan. Julie found herself getting backed into the sturdy tree trunk as Ryan’s
thickly corded arm propped on the side of her head while he closed the inches
between them enough to give her a whiff of his warm-blooded, deeply masculine
scent that did crazy things to her hormones. His startling blue eyes swept over
her face like he was committing every feature into memory.

“Uncomfortable,
me?” Julie all but squeaked. Her head was swimming. This was one of the reasons
she’d taken to running and now he was right here, impossible to escape from.

“Julie,
I won’t lie. The first time I saw you, though fleeting, really struck me. I
haven’t been able to stop thinking about you ever since.” Ryan confessed, his
voice a low rumble of masculine power. His dark lashes, so thick and lush they
made her almost groan with envy, swooped down as he seemed to keep his inner
thoughts hidden. His body language though told her all she wanted to know. Ryan
wanted her and she was almost hyperventilating from the very thought that she
hadn’t been wrong after all.

“I
don’t know what to say,” she replied, eyes darting around.

“It’s
okay to be confused. But when I said you didn’t need to be afraid, I meant it.
I’d do all in my power to make you feel safe and protected.” He lifted his
other hand and reached for her cheek and Julie involuntarily flinched, turning
her face away.

Ryan
scowled, his hand lowering to rest on her shoulder. “Someone hurt you, didn’t
they? Who was he?”

His
astuteness astounded Julie. How could he possibly even…? She shook her head
dismissively. “He was no one. I’m over that. I’m stronger than I look Ryan and
I assure you I don’t need you or anyone to take care of me.” Her eyes met his
defiantly and he nodded with a humorous smile.

“I
hear you. Fact is, I definitely like a woman who can stand up for herself. You
can bet I like a lot of things about you, Julie,” he said, eyes twinkling.

Julie
had to smile at that. “I bet you say that and all the girls just melt.”

“There’s
only one girl that I want to melt, and each time I look at her it gets harder
to keep myself in check,” he said gruffly, eyes gleaming meaningfully into
hers. “What is it about you, Julie, that makes me want to shield you from all
the bad, bad things in the world – and yet can’t wait to ravish you
myself?”

Julie
gulped, her throat going dry. Well at least he was putting it out there. This
was her chance to tell him she just wasn’t interested. That she’d just been
through a bad break up and needed to work on herself and not just jump into the
next relationship. That the last thing she really needed was a fling, which
could be all this hot, sexy hunk of badness was offering.

“Maybe
you need time to figure it all out,” she said mildly, resisting the urge to
bite on her bottom lip, aware he couldn’t tear his heated gaze from her mouth.

“Yeah.
I do. And maybe you can help me. We could go for drinks later tonight and maybe
see what happens. I know a few nice places in town. You should let me show you
around.”

“You’re
asking me out on a date?” Julie asked, a smile playing on her lips. His charm
was infectious. And God help her, this man was plain irresistible. What harm
could it do? He grinned rakishly and Julie grew wet and hot in places she’d
sworn to hold in check. Just because she’d vowed not to get involved didn’t
mean they couldn’t be friends.

“I
sure am,” he replied with a smile, voice smoky with promise.

Julie
knew she was in trouble. She nodded slowly in assent and secretly hoped she’d
figure out a way to resist this impossibly handsome man who wanted her more
than any other ever had before.

The
band was playing some nice folksy rock music that Julie couldn’t have imagined
she’d enjoy, but she did. She liked the bar too, nice ambience. They had some
really great beers on tap and add to that her gorgeous date, there wasn’t much
more a girl could ask for.

She
knew they caught a few looks from the other patrons, but no one she really
needed to worry about. Spending time with Ryan just talking and drinking was
bringing out a side to him she hadn’t expected. She already knew he was funny,
without really trying to be, especially when he was talking about himself. She
learned he was partners with Caine, though Ryan’s job was to handle the
business end of things while Caine was the ‘brains’ of the outfit as Ryan
jokingly put it. Julie liked that Ryan didn’t take himself too seriously. He
had this tough exterior that would make people want to tread carefully around
him, but he really was a nice guy.

She
was feeling comfortable around him, which both delighted and surprised her.
She’d never dreamed she’d feel safe around a man again, especially this quickly.
But Ryan, with his protective bearing and rugged charm, made it hard for her to
hold onto her defenses. And he did all he could to make her feel desired, and
special. Julie really liked him and was growing more than just attracted to
him. But how could she tell him there was no way this could go any further?

“Would
you like another beer?” Ryan asked, breaking off their conversation to nod at
her half-empty glass which she was still nursing. Julie shook her head,
assuring him she was good. She really wanted to keep her head tonight and that
meant drinking responsibly. One thing she couldn’t be responsible about, was
how she felt around Ryan. The way his large, slightly callused hand would brush
lightly over hers as he reached for his beer …the graze of his deep laugh
teasing her senses and the way he looked at her that made her sizzle deep
within her folds. She needed…oh; she wasn’t sure what she needed. Ryan –
and Caine, made her want things she really, really shouldn’t. Where was she
going to find the strength to walk away?

“Ah,
look who’s here. Surprise, surprise,” drawled Ryan, and Julie looked over her
shoulder to see what he was talking about. Something lurched in her chest when
she saw Caine walk into the crowded bar looking as gorgeous as ever. But he
wasn’t alone.

A
tall, somewhat willowy brunette had her arm tucked into his and she was certainly
a beauty. She wore a pair of snug blue jeans and a shirt unbuttoned low enough
to hint at an enviably large cleavage. Her swathe of thick, rich brown hair
fell over one shoulder and she flicked it over her back as she turned to Caine
with a possessive, pleased smile.

Julie
wasn’t sure the emotion that raged through her belly like fire but she didn’t
like it. Didn’t like it either the way Caine smiled back at the girl and patted
her hand on his arm. Then he led them to the other end of the bar to order
drinks.

“I
didn’t know Caine had a girlfriend,” Julie said before she could stop herself.
She’d meant to say something casual but instead stood the risk of sounding like
a jealous, scorned twit.

“Oh,
that’s not his girlfriend. That’s just Darcy. She’s…well, maybe at one time,
she’d have been a love interest but it never really happened. Now they’re just
friends.”

Julie
found that hard to believe but she didn’t voice it out. Instead she nodded and
buried her nose in her drink and wished she wasn’t acting so stupid. After all,
she was here with someone else; the last thing she should be doing was feeling
pissed off at Caine for hanging out with some other girl. A girl who seemed to
be leaning far too close to him as they waited for their order. Just then, Caine
looked up, caught her gaze and smiled in recognition. Ryan waved him over and
he excused himself from his companion to make his way over in easy, long
strides.

“My
favorite girl,” Caine said in greeting as he bent to kiss her cheek which
already grew hot from his presence.

“Oh,
I think you already have your hands full,” Julie blurted, and then chewed hard
on her lip in mortification. Damn, damn and damn! Now he’d know she was
jealous. He merely grinned and turned to the equally smiling Ryan.

“You
didn’t tell Julie about Darcy?” Caine asked, eyebrows arched.

Ryan
shrugged. “Julie knows deep down that when it comes to her, there’s really no
competition. But I did let her know that Darcy wasn’t anything to worry about.”

“Good.
But I think Julie knows in her heart how it stands.” Caine’s smile tilted
sexily and Julie couldn’t help the way her toes wanted to curl inside her
shoes. Was Caine for real? He was actually flirting with her in front of Ryan!
And Ryan didn’t seem to mind in the slightest. Julie blushed furiously, the
heat creeping up to the surface of her dark skin as she thought of that dream
and how both of them had taken delight in bringing her to an unforgettable
climax. She could visualize it even clearer now and it sent chills of wanton
excitement down her spine. Their strange exchange made her confused and she
wondered if she wasn’t beginning to lose it. Her months-long state of celibacy
was perhaps beginning to catch up on her. She needed air.

Escape
was all she could think of right then, so she quickly stood and mumbled an
excuse about needing to use the ladies room.

“Are
you alright?” Ryan asked with deep concern, his arm closing lightly around her
shoulders. She nodded quickly, gave him and Caine a small smile and then rushed
from the bar before she made more of a fool of herself. She needed to be more
in control of her emotions by the time she got back.

Both
men watched her go and it was impossible to hide the glow of need on their
faces. “This is going to be tougher than I imagined. I mean, taking things
slow,” Caine said, not peeling his eyes away till Julie was out of sight. She
looked like a delightful treat tonight, wearing another dress, black this time
with just two straps holding it up. He liked a woman comfortable in her own
skin enough to keep things feminine. He could still smell the shampoo of her
hair and the cocoa butter fragrance of her skin. He felt his cock stir
remembering how the dusky glow of her skin had called out for his lips to trace
each contour from her throat to her shoulder.

“I
know how you feel, man,” Ryan replied meaningfully. “Breaking the ice is just
one step. Getting to convince her she doesn’t have to choose will be another.”

Both
men were astute to know Julie was having that inner battle. With all their
heart they longed to explain the truth of their intentions, but she needed
time. Especially when it was obvious she’d been hurt badly before – maybe
even recently. Was that why she’d moved here? So many things they wanted to
find out about her but she still kept so much under wraps. What would it take
to break down her defenses?

When
Caine finally returned to the waiting Darcy, he quirked his brow at the
spitting anger in her eyes. Julie had just returned and from across the room,
Darcy and Caine watched as Ryan placed a hand on her waist and rose to kiss her
cheek before guiding her back on her stool like she was some china doll about
to break. Darcy’s scowl deepened.

“It’s
getting rampant, isn’t it?” she began with a fake smile as she lifted her beer
to her pouty pink lips. Caine chose to ignore her biting tone and instead asked
what she meant.

“The
way everyone seems to be willing to mate with humans. First Vern and then
Hawke. Soon the whole pack would be overrun and weakened by this trend which
makes me wonder why Alpha Jepson condones such fraternization.”

Darcy
was in the same pack as Caine and Ryan and like them, had wolf traits. Like
many in the pack, she frowned on them having to mix with humans and as a
female, she felt especially threatened. Once, she’d had a thing for Caine but
then when he told her what they – Caine and Ryan – were looking
for, Darcy had backed out. She regretted it now but couldn’t show it. She’d let
the opportunity pass her by and now it was too late to change her mind.

Caine’s
face broke into one of his rare frowns. “You of all know that we can’t help who
we mate with. It’s nature. And mating with humans could never make us weaker,
but stronger. The more we learn to co-exist, the better for all concerned along
the line.”

“Or
so it would seem,” Darcy said with a curl to her lips. “Well I guess it’s hard
to think straight when sentiment is involved. But what makes you think she’ll
ever want anything to do with your special…arrangement?”

Darcy
saw Caine’s slight wince and knew she’d hit a sore point. She smiled inwardly.
So, it wasn’t going to be all cut and dried then. Maybe there was still hope.

Yes,
she knew all about mates and how they were ‘fated’. But then again, mates could
also be chosen. She knew that once, Caine had been ready to settle for choosing
a mate so long as she met their need for a ménage relationship. Perhaps, Caine
would be made to reconsider his earlier choice. But as long as Julie was in the
picture, Darcy couldn’t see that happening.

Her
eyes glowed with intent which she concealed by turning away to beckon the bartender
to refill her glass. Her hidden smile widened as she thought of all the
possibilities open to her as mate to Caine and Ryan. Everyone knew they were
two of the strongest and most respected shifters in their pack. Either one of
them could be made Alpha of their thriving community and Darcy knew becoming
aligned to them would prove favorable to her clan, and of course to herself. As
their mate, she’d gain Madam Alpha status and considering she virtually grew up
in the pack, she felt this was more than her due, it was her birthright.

The
only thing standing in her way was the wonderfully curvy human usurper who may
have seduced the two friends with her innocent, alluring beauty. But Darcy
could tell there was more to Julie than what anyone knew and she was going to
do everything in her power to win her rightful place with both Caine and Ryan
– even if it meant getting rid of the competition herself.