Ella

"Sorry I couldn't help you move,” Ella’s sister apologized, remorse filling her voice.

“Sabine,” Ella admonished.

It had been a pain in the ass, but Ella really didn’t mind.

“I know, but we're supposed to be roommates," Sabine coughed.

Ella held her breath, as her sister groaned through a coughing fit. This was a particularly bad one. Sabine’s moods always seemed to affect her spells.

Ella glanced at her sister’s bed, sill in pieces, propped against the living room wall, wondering if it would ever be used. For the millionth-time, Ella prayed the experimental drugs her sister was on would turn things around.

Nope, can't get mired in fear. Sabine would have her miracle. God couldn't be so cruel as to bless one of them, while cursing the other.

Ella debated hopping on the Metra to head into Chicago, but it was getting late and she still had to prep for her interview tomorrow. Ella nibbled her lip wondering what she should do. Was she being paranoid?

"Hey, Ella!" Sabine groused into the phone.

"Sorry." Ella realized she had drifted, then smiled at Sabine's indignant tone. She loved it when her sister got spunky with her. It helped her forget the disease that plagued Sabine. "Just thinking about that interview."

"So, this design firm’s pretty nice, huh?"

"Yeah. I’m excited they called.”

“You have a ton of stellar references. They’d be foolish not to call you in."

Ella was more than just excited, she was nervous. She was banking on this job. She and Sabine had nearly burned through the money their father left them, along with the last of her student loans. If Ella didn’t land this position, she would probably have to whore herself out to cover living expenses, and the bills Sabine racked up.

Just kidding.

But things were getting dire. Not that Ella would ever breathe a word of that to her sister. She'd sooner die than lay that burden on Sabine's shoulders.

"Something's bothering you Bella Bear. I can hear it." Ella smiled at the nickname. Her given name was Bella, but only her family called her that. "Come on tell your big sister."

"Big sister, my butt,” Ella snorted.

Sabine liked to call herself Ella’s big sister, because she’d always been taller, taking after their father. Ella was actually the older one, though not by much. They were what people referred to as Irish twins.

If we were twins, then maybe Sabine would be freakishly healthy, like me, instead of suffering her whole life.

Ella clenched her fists, frustrated with fate. She couldn’t understand why life seemed to look favorably on some, while kicking others in the teeth. Ella forced herself to relax when she noticed the glass of wine rattling on the counter, sloshing her merlot about.

"Whatever. I can still hear you stewing about something. So, fess up," Sabine choked out, as she coughed again.

"Just nervous," Ella sighed.

“Bella Bear, stop stressing. You’re going to nail your interview tomorrow.”

"Thank you for having faith in me. Hey, Sabine, I gotta go. I still need to get my portfolio in order."

Talking to her sister brought a certain measure of comfort. But the longer Ella talked to Sabine, her sister would eventually drag the whole truth out of her. And life was too short to argue about finances.

"Okay. I love you Bella Bear," Sabine sighed.

"Love you too, Sis. Kisses," Ella said before hanging up.

Ella hated hiding things from Sabine, like the fact they might already be getting evicted from the cheap little apartment, Sabine had yet to set foot in.

Ella recalled her visit with the apartment manager, Char, earlier that day.

An uneasy feeling overwhelmed Ella, as she walked into the apartment office. She was dreading this conversation.

“Hello, Ella. How are you settling in?” Char stood as she greeted her.

Char was gorgeous and intimidating, in a badass sort of way. She was sporting a black bob, smoky eyes, glossy, bee-sting lips, a skin-tight, black skirt, and a white, button-down, dress shirt stretched across her voluptuous boobs. Char didn’t fit the landlady mold at all.  

Ella envied the woman. She doubted Char had begged for anything a single day in her life. Ella wished she had the same confident air. Instead, she worried everything was going to come crashing down on her head, all the darn time. It made what Ella came to do twice as difficult. Was Char the type to cut someone a bit of slack?

“Well, that’s what I’m here to talk to you about. I’m going to be late on next month’s rent. I’m willing to make it up to you,” Ella quickly added.

At least I didn’t chicken out, letting the first of the month come and go without a word.

Ella might be lacking in a lot of ways, but she owned up to her mistakes. She hoped if she was straightforward, the woman would work with her. But Char put a hard stop to that notion, looking at Ella with an equal mix of pity and hardness.

"It's not really my call. You'll have to talk to my brother. He owns this place," Char informed her.

The news was disheartening. It meant she’d have to work up the courage to do this all over again.

Ella huffed as she tried to push aside her rising panic. Even if she got the job with the design firm, it would be several weeks before she saw her first paycheck. Ella took a gulp of her wine, followed by a few deep breaths. She couldn't let herself get worked up, or things would get hairy.

The wet nose that brushed against Ella's hand grounded and calmed her.

"I know. I'm okay." Ella smiled at the little mutt jumping frantically at her feet. She swooped down and snatched him up. "You're spoiled, aren't you, Wright? Who wants a treat?"

Ella grabbed a milk bone from the box on the counter, then set Wright on the floor. He bounded like a jack rabbit, shaking with excitement.

"Go get it."

She pretended to toss the bone, then giggled as the fur-ball scrambled on the kitchen tile, taking off toward the living room. Midway, Wright came to a halt, and turned back around. She'd done this to him one too many times; Wright was starting to catch on. The brown fluffy pup gave an expectant look and wagged his tail happily, despite her mean trick.

"Sorry. I'm such a bad mommy to my sweet fur-baby."

Ella tossed the treat, delighting in how Wright jumped up and snatched it out of the air. Wright’s tail whipped back and forth with such unrestrained enthusiasm, that his whole body swayed from side to side. Ella chuckled harder seeing the tail wag the dog.

The sound of a motorcycle rumbling in the small parking lot, drowned out her mirth. There seemed to be a lot of bikers around Manhattan, Illinois. Ella moved to close the window of her first-floor pad, then paused.

"There he is," Ella whispered to the pup, as she watched tall, dark and handsome throw his leg over the Harley.

Ella had only met her neighbor briefly when she checked out the apartment. She didn’t even catch his name. He'd been out of town ever since she moved in. Not that she'd been watching for him, or anything. Okay that was a lie.

Char had just given her a tour of the one-bedroom apartment. It wasn't a dump, like most of the places in her price range. Thank god. Unfortunately, it was in a town, at the far end of the Metra line, making the commute into Chicago a little rough. But Ella couldn’t afford to be picky.

Ella had been stunned to silence when she stepped out the apartment’s front door, coming face to face with the compelling man. He stood in the doorway of his place, casually leaning against the wood frame.

Ella froze midstride, in her hand-me-down Burberrys, nearly falling off the heels. The pumps brought her up to five six, but she still only came eye level with the top of the dark stranger’s bare chest.

The beast of a man wore a long-sleeve plaid shirt, which hung open. The expanse of sun-kissed, taught muscle, dusted with a smattering of hair, led to washboard abs. Ella followed the thin trail of hair from his bellybutton, until it disappeared beneath the waistband of his jeans.

The mouthwatering sight instantly sent a twinge of desire careening through her. A startling heat pooled low in Ella’s stomach.

Her eyes shot up to the man's face, to find a sardonic, all-knowing smile, twisting the corner of his mouth. His honey brown eyes twinkled with amusement and something wild. The man was stunning and he knew it. He was also bad news. That much Ella quickly discerned.

Ella quickly tamped down on the unbidden attraction. She pasted on what she hoped was an unaffected smile, said hello, then took off to catch the train back into the city.

Just the memory of meeting the rugged man caused goosebumps to rise, and her nipples to pucker. The fact he rode one of those iron horses, only added to his roguish aura. The motorcycle, like the man, was a work of art, powerful and lithe. The man was just as stunning as she remembered. She’d hoped it was just her imagination.

Ugh.

Ella knew she should step away from the window, instead of staring like a peeping tom. Her neighbor ran a hand through his wind-swept, black hair, attempting to tame the wild mess that curled over the collar of his worn leather jacket. His angular cheeks and broad chin were covered with a day’s worth of stubble. Ella wondered what it might feel like, scraping against her skin, as he kissed her.

Ella couldn't help but watch the way he moved, stalking up the sidewalk with predatory grace. His black jeans showed off the sculpted muscles of his thick thighs. Ella gawked at the way they molded to his crotch. He certainly wasn't lacking in that department.

For the love of all that is holy. You don't even know his name. Don’t get ahead of yourself, Ella. You know all this can ever be is a fantasy. There was no way she'd ever be with a man like this, or any man for that matter. No sense torturing herself.

Ella recalled her few feeble attempts at making out in high school. Just kissing had worked her up enough that all hell broke loose. Over the years she'd gotten a grip on her quirky nature, but still, strong emotions made her volatile. There was no way she'd risk hurting, or even killing someone with her curse, just because she got horny.

Though, that didn't keep Ella from quickly moving to stare out the peephole, as the sexy biker made it to his door, across the alcove. The towering, shadowy man paused with one hand on his doorknob. He turned around slowly and looked at her door. His golden stare pinned hers, even though there was a door in the way.

Ella froze, barely breathing. He couldn’t possibly know she was standing there. A flush rose to her cheeks, at the notion she'd been caught.

Still, she couldn’t turn away. Even distorted by the viewer, his eyes were striking. He had the kind of intense gaze that laid a person bare.

Ella debated opening the door to say hi, and maybe learn his name. Or maybe she’d make small talk and ask where he'd been for the last week.

You suddenly opening the door wouldn’t look weird at all. Besides, he's not for you.

Ella frowned as she backed away from the door slowly. It would be nice to have a gorgeous man to come home to. Someone to share her dreams with, and to soothe away the worries when they gnawed at her.

"Nope, no whining. Things could always be worse," Ella rallied, as she headed into the bedroom. "You know what I need? A long hot shower," she commented to Wright.

Ella blushed as she thought about the pulse feature on the retractable showerhead. It might not get her mind off the eye candy next door, but it would give her a measure of relief.

 

Wolf

Wolf wore a rakish grin as he kicked his door closed and shrugged off his leather cut. The curvy number that moved in across the hall had been spying on him. He scented her sweet perfume the moment he walked up to the building.

His sister told him the sophisticated little brunette was interested in renting the place, while he was in Mexico. Char had been hesitant to rent to an Outsider, since Wolf lived next door, but he’d laughed off his sister’s concern. It’s not like he was a youth anymore, unable to control his inner beast. Plus, as much as he loved his pack, he enjoyed a bit of space, too. Having an Outsider next door would give him breathing room.

Of course, this particular Outsider might provide a bit different diversion than Wolf originally planned.

The memory of the little brunette standing in the alcove, wearing a tight, high-waisted, pencil skirt, accentuating a full set of hips and lush ass, made Wolf want to groan. The way her heated gaze had traveled down his chest to rest on his crotch, tempted him to shove her against the wall, hike up that refined, yet enticing skirt, and grind his pelvis against the vee of her thighs. Resisting the urge to tug the clip out of her severe bun, just to watch her tawny tresses fall in a halo around her pale flushed cheeks, had been an exercise in patience.

Just as Wolf thought he caught scent of her delicate musk, beneath her natural fresh perfume, it was gone. The little thing had stiffened up and her eyes darted up to meet his. There was fire in those hazel depths, but she smothered it.

Wolf wondered, with a chuckle, what would it take to loosen up his straight laced little neighbor?

He walked into his bedroom, unstrapped the piece holstered at his side, and set the gun on the dresser. He kicked off his boots, shucked his pants and t-shirt, then launched himself into bed with a groan.

“Oh, I missed you,” Wolf spoke adoringly to his king-sized mattress.

Weeks of sleeping in an SUV and shitty Mexican hotels, while searching for his buddy, Trip, had done a number on Wolf. Although Trip wasn’t a brother by blood, his inner beast adopted the male as if he were one of his pack. Wolf had grown quite close to several members of the Reapers M/C over the last few years.

The Reapers weren’t just a fellow motorcycle club, but a band of feline Shifters. In the old days, wolves and wildcats were at each other’s throats. However, in this modern era, Shifters had to work together to keep Outsiders from discovering their existence.

Wolf’s cell rang, and he debated not answering his sister’s call. But since Char held down the fort when he was away, he figured he best not piss her off. Her bark was not worse than her bite, both stung like a bitch.

“Hey Char, I’m back.”

“Good. Glad you made it home safe. You ready to hear what those dumbass cousins of yours were up to?”

“They’re your cousins too,” Wolf countered.

“Uh, uh. Not today. I’m ready to strangle Vick and Tony. They’re supposed to be setting a good example, keeping the rest of this rabble in line. Not raising hell. At least not in public.”

“What did they do?” Wolf scrubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw, dreading the reply.

“Those numb nuts got into a fight at a bar, over some bitch.” Char wasn’t being mean when she called the chick a bitch. She just meant the woman was a canine Shifter, instead of an Outsider or some other breed. “And they did it in front of a bunch of Outsiders.”

“Fucking hell. Did they shift?”

“No, but their growling and carrying on sent people fleeing.”

“Don’t tell me anymore.” Wolf closed his eye, ready to smother himself with the pillow beneath his head.

“Oh, but it gets better. Since no one wanted to stand up to those two betas; the meatheads didn’t realize, until it was too late, that the cops had arrived. Guess who got to spend a night in jail?”

“Son of a…” Wolf clenched his fists.

“Oh, no, no, no, dear brother, I have more. After the curs made bail, they both showed up at the clubhouse. Tony accused Vick of scratching his bike during the brawl, blah, blah, blah. Anyway, the clubhouse is trashed.”

“Is that all? Please tell me that’s it.”

“I think so.”

“Thanks for the 411. I think.”

“Oh, wait. I almost forgot. Your new neighbor is already about to default on her rent. You’ve got a meeting with her tomorrow at four. Good to have you back. Bye bye,” Char said cheerfully before the line went dead.

“Seriously?” Wolf groused into thin air as he tossed his cell on the bed.

Maybe I should’ve stayed and partied with the Reapers.

Some days, being alpha wasn’t a run through the woods.

Wolf threw his arm over his face and took a few breaths. It wasn’t incredibly late, but there was no way in hell he was going to go inspect the carnage at the clubhouse. He’d let rumor circle that he was back in town, and see what things looked like in the morning.

The sound of the shower running next door caught his attention, reminding him of his other problem. Such a shame. He never pegged Little-Miss-Straight-Laced for a squatter.

The vibration that jiggled the mattress caught Wolf by surprise and he jumped out of bed. The lamp rattled on the nightstand, bouncing about till it tumbled to the floor, shattering the bulb.

An earthquake! Just what I fucking need.

None of the quakes hitting the Midwest had been this strong in the past. Wolf glanced toward the door frame of the bathroom.

Don’t they say you’re supposed to take cover in a doorway? Wolf snorted at the thought. The damn building could probably come down on his head, and he’d still walk away.

The bathroom vanity rattled on the wall, popped open, then spilled its contents onto the counter.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Wolf growled, as he watched his toothbrush tumble into the toilet.

This is not my day.

Wolf heard a muffled cry from the bathroom next door and hoped his new neighbor was okay. With his heightened sense of hearing, he was certain he would’ve heard a thud if she slipped in the tub.

But I better go check, just to be safe.

Just as quickly as the earthquake started, it was over. Wolf threw on his jeans and t-shirt, just in case the damage was worse than he expected and others needed help, then headed out his front door. From the looks of it, everything outside was fine. He rapped his knuckles on the door then waited. It didn’t take long to hear the shuffle on the other side of the door.

“Oh god,” Wolf heard Little-Miss-Straight-Laced mutter through the door.

His brows rose. Is she annoyed?

“Just wanted to make sure you’re okay,” Wolf said when the door cracked open the length of the security chain.

As if that little piece of metal could keep me out. Don’t worry sweetheart, the big bad Wolf’s not going to blow your house down. At least not tonight.

“I’m fine,” she said looking bewildered, as she peeked around the door.

Her long bronze hair hung in wet ringlets, framing her delicate cheeks. Wolf noticed her cheeks were flushed. His gaze narrowed on her pouty red lips, which were parted in confusion.

A seductive musky scent struck Wolf, like a punch to the gut, nearly sending him stumbling back. Except his inner beast had him taking another step forward instead.

A high-pitched growl and a flurry of motion caught his attention. Wolf looked down at his feet to see a little brown terrier, attempting to gnaw its way through his ankle.

“Wright! Shame on you,” the woman admonished the tiny terror, as she scrambled to get the door open.

Wolf growled deep and low. The sound was too subtle for her to hear, but the little mutt heard. To the beastie’s credit, instead of cowering, Wright kept at his losing battle, turning almost feral.

Wolf grinned. You’re a good boy, watching out for her. Unfortunately, you’ve met your match, pup.

“Sorry. He doesn’t usually act this way.” Little-Miss-Straight-Laced looked at him with a hint of suspicion, which quickly changed to concern when she saw Wolf’s ankle was bleeding. “Wright!” She grabbed the little mutt’s nose and looked at him sternly, quieting the pup instantly. “I’m so sorry. Look I’ll pay for any medical expenses. He’s got all his shots. I promise.”

Wolf wanted to laugh at the pouty look the terrier was wearing, until he noted the brunette’s distress. Her worry was overpowering the musky scent he’d caught earlier. No doubt she thought he’d sue her or something.

“I’m not worried.” Wolf waved it off.

“Okay, but maybe you should come in and I can get you a washcloth and a bandage,” she offered.

Her scent became lighter, and that lingering sweet musk captured his interest again. It was then Wolf realized Little-Miss-Straight-Laced was standing there in a silk robe that barely fell to her knees. The material clung to her wet skin. Wolf could clearly see the outline of her nipples, and the shadow of hair at the apex of her thighs. It would be a very bad idea for him to go into that apartment. He’d only attempt to coax her out of that robe. That was the last thing he needed to do, since he probably had to kick her out of the apartment tomorrow.

Dammit.

“That’s alright. I only wanted to make sure you were fine after that earthquake we just had.”

“Earthquake?” she asked in confusion.

“Didn’t you feel those tremors?”

The brunette’s eyes widened in shock then went blank.

“Oh, um yeah. I’m fine. Thank you. Sorry about Wright. If you’re okay, I need to get to sleep. I have a busy day tomorrow,” she stated, the tone of her voice turning detached.

Wolf scowled, as everything about her cooled so fast he got whiplash. He wondered what brought on the sudden change. Outsiders generally couldn’t shield their chemical emotions so effectively. And women in general tended to blossom around him. It was a curse common to all Shifter breeds. Raw animal magnetism.

“Alright, well, good night then.” Wolf said as she shut the door without another word.

“Earthquake! Seriously? I don’t believe it… Ugh,” Wolf heard her say incredulously, from the other side of the door.

Is she calling me a liar? She had to have felt that.

“What got into you, Wright? Is he a bad man?”

“Hey!” Wolf muttered indignantly. I am most certainly not a bad man. I came over to check on you, and this is the thanks I get, being called a liar and getting gnawed on. Real fucking nice, Ice Princess.