Wolf

Wolf stood at Ella’s door debating what he should say. The handprint mishap yesterday had obviously embarrassed her. Ella’s stiff demeanor had started to ease, then his idiot pack arrived, and she clammed up again. No girl likes being laughed at. Hopefully Ella wasn’t still upset. She’d need tough skin around his pack. They weren’t known for going easy on people.

Then again Wolf couldn’t really blame the guys. There was something about Ella, that made him want to ruffle her feathers.

Maybe she’ll agree to catch a bite to eat with me.

Wolf’s hand was poised to knock on her door when he heard Ella talking to someone on the other side.

“He grabbed my butt, Sabine. I was so mortified, I nearly had a conniption fit right then and there,” Wolf heard her say through the door. Ella sounded like she was pacing as she squealed into the phone. “Yeah. God, I hope he doesn’t think I’m interested in him, cause that’s never gonna happen.”

Wolf froze as indignation surged through him.

She thinks an awful lot of herself.

He turned and stomped back into his apartment, grabbed the stale pizza out of the fridge, only to toss it untouched onto the counter. Wolf had been shot down before. It didn’t happen often, but it had happened. The most frustrating part, was that he hadn’t even put the moves on Ella, not really.

“Of all the stuck-up,” he growled. “If I ever decide to man-handle her, she certainly won’t be complaining about it afterward.”

Wolf stalked into the bedroom and caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He was instantly disgusted. For some inane reason, he’d put on a pair of black pants and a dress shirt.

“Fuck this shit.”

Wolf tore off the button-down shirt, trading it for a wife-beater that would show off the ink on his back and shoulders. Then pulled out a pair of well-worn jeans and tugged them on.

“I doubt the librarian even owns a pair of jeans,” he muttered. “The gloves are off. If Little-Miss-Straight-Laced wants to be mortified, I’ll give her something to be mortified about. And she better deliver a fucking awesome plan for the clubhouse, or she’s out on her ass.”

Although Wolf knew he wouldn’t toss her out, the comment still made him feel better.

 

Ella

“Hello.”

“Oh, thank god. I was worried you’d be asleep,” Ella said as Sabine answered the phone.

“What’s up Bella Bear? What’s wrong?” Sabine heard the panic in Ella’s voice.

“I just need you to talk me down from the bell tower.” Ella paced in front of her closet ready to run screaming into the night. “I have to go to a biker party and I don’t know what to wear. And I’m not sure if I can face my neighbor. Ugh,” Ella moaned.

She’d been thinking about the incident at the clubhouse the entire day, and she was still as turned around as ever. Ella was certain Wolf had genuinely offered her the job, and in retrospect grabbing her butt probably hadn’t been intentional. On the other hand, she also had no difficulty believing Wolf was a consummate playboy. The whole situation was beyond embarrassing, and now, Ella had no idea how to act around Wolf. She liked him, but she shouldn’t, she couldn’t. Wolf had her twisted in knots.

“Okay, back up. You’re going to a biker party with that hot neighbor you told me about?”

“Yes and no. Wolf actually owns the apartment and he’s giving us a break on rent in exchange for some work on his biker clubhouse.”

“That’s smart. You do awesome work. Did you seriously say his name was Wolf?” Sabine choked out a snicker.

“What’s so funny?” Ella scowled as she pulled out a navy top, frowned at it, then hung it back up again.

“A sexy biker named Wolf,” Sabine said, attempting not to giggle. “Oh, Bella Bear, or should I say Little Red Riding Hood. Watch out or he’ll gobble you up.”

“Zip it, Sabine. You’re not helping.” Ella’s cheeks flamed as illicit thoughts entered her mind, courtesy of her rowdy sister.

“I can hear the hamster turning in the wheel. What are you thinking?”

“Nothing. Shut up,” Ella groaned. Damn her sister. Sometimes Ella wondered if they could read each other’s mind.

“Spill it, or I’ll call mom and give her our new address.”

“Don’t you dare.” Ella loved her mother, but she’d grown eccentric after their father died. “Fine, I was thinking, ‘Wolf, what big hands you have.’” Ella cringed as the words came out of her mouth.

Sabine’s eardrum shattering cackle, had Ella pulling the phone away from her ear. Ella noticed the clothes rattling in her closet, and threw up her hands in disgust at herself. She tried to relax, but her usual tricks didn’t work. Her tops and dresses just danced on their hangers, mocking her. Ella stared cross-eyed at them.

Stop it!

“I seriously need your advice, Sabine,” her voice came out high-pitched and strained.

“You’ve got it bad, don’t you? I’m sorry Bella Bear. You need to grab a glass of wine and relax.”

Ella nodded. That was the first sage advice, her sister had offered so far.

“I don’t know what to do. You’ll never believe what happened. I don’t know if I can show my face. Yesterday, I went with Wolf to see his clubhouse. I tripped over some tools, and he kept me from falling,” Ella related as she walked toward the kitchen.

“That was nice.” The way Sabine made the comment, Ella knew there was an, ‘And…’ tacked on to the end.

“He grabbed my butt, Sabine. I was so mortified, I nearly had a conniption fit right then and there,” Ella screeched as she paced.

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. God, I hope he doesn’t think I’m interested in him, cause that’s never gonna happen,” Ella whined as she walked over to the cupboard and grabbed a wineglass.

“Would that really be so bad?”

“Yes! Do I need to repeat what I told you? EARTHQUAKE, Sabine. Besides I’ve got a feeling he’s not hurting for female affection. I don’t need to pile onto that party bus. Ugh. I don’t know what to think or do.”

“I didn’t say you had to fuck him.”

“Sabine, you have the mouth of a sailor,” Ella admonished.

“Whatever. I’m just suggesting you have some fun. Flirt. Tease. Live a little.”

“Yeah and then I wake up from a raunchy dream, to find the building has fallen down. I just need to do this job, then keep my distance.”

“Bella Bear, why can’t we have normal lives?” Sabine sighed in resignation.

“I don’t know, Sis.” Ella closed her eyes, sharing her sister’s misery.

“Hey, enough poor us bullshit. You said you need something to wear, right?”

“Yep, potty-mouth.”

“Okay,” Sabine snorted at the rebuke. “Put on a pair of skinny jeans and that silky green halter top. It accentuates your eyes and makes your ta-tas look great.”

“Sabine you’re incorrigible.”

“Yeah, but you love me,” Sabine yawned.

“I do. Thank you. I always feel better after talking with you.” Ella’s worst nightmare was the thought Sabine might not be there one day.

“Anytime. Good night, and have fun, Bella.”

“Good night.”

Ella hung up with a smile, then eyed the sleek emerald green halter in her closet. She’d only worn it a few times, since it wasn’t business attire. And she rarely went anywhere that called for such a saucy shirt. There wasn’t much to the top. It left her entire back exposed.

Ella drained her glass of wine, called upon the liquid courage, and proceeded to get dressed. After another hour fussing in the mirror, Ella struck out for the clubhouse. She was glad it was a warm evening as the sun dipped past the horizon. Ella liked this burb. It had more green space than the city. She paused to watch a bat flit out from the eaves of and old Victorian, hunting bugs in the waning light.

Ella continued for several blocks, quickly regretting the strappy sandals she’d worn.

For that matter, why’d you put on these jeans?

Ella had to resist pulling the denim mega wedgie out of her butt. The three-quarter length jeans with sparkly sequined pockets, were super cute, even though she had to pour herself into them.

Ella giggled as she did the Bewitched nose wiggle, and willed the jeans out of her crack, while levitating a hair off the ground. When she was a preteen, she honestly thought she was a witch, and that the nose thing actually worked.

A wistful smile crossed Ella’s face as she recalled how pissed her dad got when she pestered him for the millionth time about who her real parents were.

“Dammit, Bella, you weren’t adopted,” her father insisted as she helped him replace an electrical outlet. Ella loved helping her dad. It was the rare occasion she got to spend quality time with him. “Now, please hand me those wire strippers.”

Ella summoned the wire strippers from his tool bag several feet away, letting them drop by his side. Of course, Harold had taken that moment to concentrate on the gang box, instead of her.

That was the closest Ella had come to admitting her secret. As Sabine got sicker, she convinced herself, her parents didn’t need any more to worry about. Certainly not a freaky daughter, that was quite possibly possessed.

The sound of a motorcycle rumbling nearby, pulled Ella out of her reverie. It came to a stop beside her and Ella stilled.

Crap!

Ella slowly turned to see that it was just as she feared. Wolf looked like an urban knight astride his steel horse. He wore black combat boots and dark denim jeans. His worn leather jacket was open, exposing a white tank, that stretched across is impressive taught chest.

She reached his face to find a stern expression. The muscle in Wolf’s jaw was rigid, his mouth turned down in a smirk. His honey brown eyes had this odd glow, as they pinned her aggressively. A shiver worked through Ella.

“What in the hell are you doing walking alone at night? Are you really this stupid, or are you looking to get mugged?”

“Excuse me?”

Ella took a step back in shock. Wolf was pissed.

What crawled up his butt and died?

“You heard me. Now get on the bike.”

“I think I’ll walk. Thank you very much.”

Ella stalked down the sidewalk.

What the hell kind of chivalry is this? she fumed.

Ella wanted to inform Wolf she was safe, but he would never believe her. And she wasn’t about to give him a demonstration.

“I don’t think so. If you don’t get your tail on this bike, you can kiss our agreement goodbye,” Wolf growled.

Ella’s eyes widened at the feral sound.

Is he seriously threatening me?

She whirled on her feet and stared Wolf down.

“Am I to believe, that a man who threatens me, is safer than walking alone?” Ella snapped.

“Is it yes or no, Ice Princess? Your choice,” he rumbled.

Ice Princess?

Wolf had her between a rock and a hard place, and he knew it. She either put up with his sour attitude and crass mouth, or find a new place to live, which she still wouldn’t be able to afford.

Ella realized she was letting Wolf get to her when she noticed the leaves fluttering in the trees, although there was no breeze. Why did this man make her so crazy?

Reign it in.

Ella closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down. Without a word, she stepped to the back of Wolf’s bike and slung her leg over, settling in behind him.

“Grab on, I wouldn’t want you to fall off and mess up that pretty little face of yours.”

Ella smirked at the back-handed compliment and gripped his sides, letting her nails dig into his firm obliques.

“What did I do to you?” Ella tried to ask, but the roar of the bike drowned her out.

Being pressed against the gorgeous man would’ve been thrilling, if she wasn’t so ticked off. Ella was glad Wolf couldn’t see her frowning. Granted it wasn’t smart to walk alone, but he didn’t need to be cruel about it.

I’m not an Ice Princess.

Sabine called her innocent, and nagged Ella to let loose every now and then. Except there was a good reason she kept the genie in the bottle.

I’m not cold. What makes Wolf think he can say whatever he wants to people? Do the women he’s used to, just roll over and take his arrogant, demanding attitude? Sexy only goes so far. Big jerk.

When the clubhouse came into view, Ella notice the two dozen motorcycles parked outside. If the four bikers yesterday were a handful, this would probably be doubly exciting. Leather clad men and scantily dressed women were milling around the entrance, as Wolf whipped into line with the rest of the bikes. Ella had a feeling he stopped abruptly for her benefit. She tightened her grip, gouging her nails into his stomach, till she heard him grunt.

Ella slid off the motorcycle, and followed Wolf inside. She scanned the room, gaping as every direction she looked, something untoward was going on.

“Are you good on your own?” Wolf said over the din of the party.

Ella’s mouth almost dropped open. He was going to ditch her amongst a bunch of bikers she didn’t know.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me?”

“They know you’re the decorator,” he commented with a shrug, then took off, leaving her standing in the middle of the room.

“Dick!” Ella fumed.

Loosen up, and prove him wrong about the Ice Princess comment. Or you can send him an anonymous box of glitter. Ella smiled at the thought of the sparkly mess getting all over Wolf and his apartment. Glitter was the herpes of the craft world.

Be an adult. Stop letting the man yank your chain. You’re not here to prove anything. You’re here to see what’s needed for the design, Ella reminded herself. Mingle. See what’s going on.

Ella wandered further into the main room and paused. The music was blaring loud enough, the bass thumped through her, overtaking her own heartbeat. A few women were doing dance moves that would put a stripper to shame. A chick with long black hair and a mini skirt was grinding against a dude’s leg, like her life depended on it. Ella suddenly had a better understanding of what a sweet butt was. The guy had a death grip on the woman’s butt, kneading it, in time with her thrusts. It reminded Ella of Wolf’s hands on her own rear, and she blushed.

Don’t judge, she almost heard Sabine say. Professional mental note; they like dancing and music.

A few guys were playing darts, shoving each other as they argued about the score. One of the guys knocked the other one into the wall, sending dust cascading down. It looked like it hurt, except the guy acted like nothing happened, as he aimed a dart and threw, ignoring another biker in the way. Ella cringed as the projectile winged past the other man, nearly taking off his ear.

She noticed that most of the men wore leather jackets like Wolf’s. On the back, there was a large insignia of a wolf baying at a crescent moon. It obviously represented something to the group.

Maybe that’s where Wolf gets his name. I wonder if Wolf’s his real name.

Ella caught a whiff of something she hadn’t smelled since her freshman year in college, when she last attempted to go out and party with normal people. She turned to see several people passing a joint, by the bar. Her eyes traveled down the bar. Some guy threw back a shot, then bent over and kissed a blonde. She pulled away from him and swallowed, then bit into a lime.

That’s one way to drink tequila.

Ella blushed when she noticed the guys didn’t care about the massive hole in the wall, as they used the wrecked bathroom.

Privacy is clearly not a concern.

“Hey, did my idiot brother abandon you?”

Ella turned to see the black-haired apartment manager, Char.

“Yeah. It’s okay. I’m getting an idea of what goes on here, so I can redesign the space,” Ella spoke over the music.

“He mentioned that. Still, I can’t believe he just cast you to the wolves.”

Ella snickered at the pun.

“I think he’s ticked off that I tried to walk here.” Ella shrugged.

“Oh. That probably wasn’t a good idea, though Manhattan’s pretty safe. You want a drink?” Char gestured to the bar.

“Sure. Do you have any wine?”

“No, but I made jello shots.”

“Close enough,” Ella laughed.

“Right on. You can’t get an idea of how we throw down, without partying with us.”

Char led Ella behind the bar and grabbed a tray of multicolored jello shots from the fridge.

“Hey, Kayla, meet Ella. She’s going help fix this dump up.”

“Nice to meet you,” Kayla, the tequila-shot blonde, shouted. “It’s about time they fix this place up.”

“You have any suggestions?” Ella asked.

“Hey, don’t give her any ideas. I don’t want this place turning all girly,” the guy with shaggy brown hair from yesterday, chimed in.

“Shut-up Mark. Just for that, I hope she puts lots and lots of pink lace all over the place.” Char shoved Mark out of the way.

This was a rough and tumble bunch. Even the girls were a handful.

“I wasn’t thinking pink lace. I’m seeing unicorns, lots of sparkly, purple unicorns.” Ella spread her hands out in front of her, as if she were picturing the scene.

Char and Kayla chuckled. Ella decided it might be funny to mock up some horrific design just to antagonize Wolf. It served him right for being so dreadful toward her.

“Ha, real funny, Cotton Tail,” Mark snorted.

“Cotton Tail?” Ella cocked her head.

“Yeah, you know.” Mark glanced toward Ella’s butt.

Ella almost choked as she got the reference.

Oh, my god. Not only are they not letting the little incident go, but they gave me a nickname.

At least Mark was congenial, despite the humiliating nickname. He checked Ella out, but it didn’t affect her, like it did when Wolf stared at her. Mark was handsome in a rugged sort of way. He had shoulder length dark brown hair, which made his blue eyes stand out. His forearms were covered in tattoo’s, that disappeared up into the sleeves of his black t-shirt. But Mark didn’t do it for her. Ella took a quick look around but didn’t see Wolf.

That’s not why you’re here, she admonished herself.

“I heard about the handprints,” Kayla’s snickered.

“Just great. Did you tell everyone?” Ella glared at Mark.

“Don’t look at me. Jericho’s the gossip.”

“Jericho’s as bad as a girl.” Char shook her head. “Always stirring shit up.”

“Wolf’s to blame. He kept me from falling over a crowbar by grabbing me around the waist.”

“Sure,” Mark said skeptically.

“It’s the truth,” Ella insisted, then sighed. “Well I guess Cotton Tail is better than Ice Princess.”

“Why would your nickname be Ice Princess?” Kayla’s blonde head tilted.

“Ask Wolf,” Ella smirked.

“My brother’s such a charmer. Here, drink up.”

Char thrust the tray of jiggly booze toward her. Ella grabbed a little paper cup and squeezed the vodka-laced lime jello into her mouth.

“Whooo!” Char whooped as she crushed her cup, then chucked it at the trash. “Again?”

Ella nodded, taking another shot. She might not be a wild child, but she could hold her alcohol. She’d experimented too much in her youth, hoping it would calm her curse. It didn’t.

 

Wolf

Wolf lurked in the corner, watching Ella, like some kind of creeper.

Better me than some serial rapist.

He still couldn’t believe the crazy woman was walking the streets past dark, looking like a wet dream.

He almost drove past Ella since she wasn’t wearing her Little-Miss-Straight-Laced uniform. Wolf nearly stalled his bike when he caught glimpse of her in the getup that was downright smokin’. The backless halter top gaped at the sides, taunting him, as it played peekaboo with her tits. Ella’s jeans were so tight they looked like they were painted on. His fingers itched to grab her pert ass, now that he knew what it felt like. Full and firm.

Wolf groaned out loud as he recalled the heat of Ella’s thighs pressed against him on the bike. He still felt the delicious sting of her nails on his ribs. She thought she was hurting him, but her biting grip had been a torment of a different kind. Would Ella claw his back with the same fervor he’d seen sparking in her eyes, when he demanded she get on his bike?

You need to leave that one alone, Wolf shook his head as he adjusted his crotch. Any woman that prim, who thinks she’s too good for you, isn’t worth the time.

He knew it was immature, but Wolf still took impish pleasure watching Ella nervously pan the clubhouse. She thought she was mortified before, now she’d learn the meaning of the word. His pack knew how to have a good time.

God she’s so fucking repressed.

Wolf laughed at how red Ella’s cheeks turned as she noticed several brothers taking a piss in the wrecked bathroom. She acted like she hadn’t seen a cock before.

Wolf stopped cold.

“Surely not,” he muttered.

Wolf started up a game of pool with one of the guys, but quickly abandoned it to another pack member. His mind kept returning to the unfathomable thought. Ella was too old to be so damn innocent. Though that would certainly explain the rosy flush and demure glances that she instantly smothered. His inner Wolf growled insistently, goading him to do something foolish.

“Ah, Hell.” Wolf scrubbed a hand over his face.

“What was that?” Vick asked.

“Nothing. Let’s get a fight going. You and Tony have an ass kicking coming.”

Wolf had to blow off some steam and clear his head. Trying to figure out that woman, was occupying too many of his thoughts lately.

“Just fucking great. Here I was thinking I’d watch Cotton Tail get shit faced.”

Wolf followed Vick’s glance to see Ella throwing back jello shots with his sister.

“Hell no,” Wolf growled, and stomped over to the bar.

“Shit, Cotton Tail, you’re going to be praising the porcelain god at the rate you’re going,” Mark swore.

The damn nickname his pack had given Ella was funny, and yet not, at the same time. It suited Ella. She was skittish like a little bunny amidst a pack of wolves.

“Char!” Wolf bellowed.

“What?” Char’s head popped up, along with Ella, Kayla and Mark’s.

“You know what,” Wolf snarled as he gestured to the crumpled cups on the counter.

It was underhanded to play drinking games with Outsiders. It was cruel and unfair, since they didn’t have the same metabolism a Shifter did.

“I’m pretty sure I know my own limit.” Ella’s eyebrow rose.

“Fine. It’s your funeral. You’re on your own. I’m heading out back,” Wolf countered.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I thought I was on my own already. Char, another round,” Ella insisted defiantly.

“Don’t worry, Princess. You are on your own. I wouldn’t want you to mistake my concern for your safety, as some sort of interest, cause that’s never going to happen. I wouldn’t want you to have a conniption fit,” Wolf threw the words Ella had said earlier, back at her.

Ella’s eyes widened and she lost her grip on the shot she was about to take. Suddenly the cabinets started rattling, and the bottles and cans on the counter danced about then fell over.

“Shit, I thought you were joking about that earthquake,” Mark looked around.

Just as abruptly as it started, the tremors ceased.

“I need to leave,” Ella said, looking frightened and hurt.

“No. Don’t leave, Ella. We’re having fun. The quake stopped,” Kayla entreated.

“That’s not it.” Ella hung her head refusing to look at Wolf.

Wolf didn’t know why he felt guilty. She was the one who’d rebuffed him with her comment and cool demeanor.

“Don’t go. Wolf’s just being an ass, cause well, he’s an ass,” Char encouraged.

Ella smiled at his sister’s disrespectful comment.

I’m the alpha for Christ sake.

“It’s not like she has a way to get home anyway,” Wolf mumbled under his breath.

Ella’s eyes swung up to meet his, sparking with anger.

“I can walk,” she countered.

“Not after drinking you won’t, and you know the deal we made.” Wolf pinned Ella with a pointed stare.

“I can take care of myself,” she insisted, staring back at him without blinking or averting her gaze.

His inner beast bristled with interest at the little female’s challenge. No one challenged the alpha, except for maybe his sister. But rather than put Ella in her place, his beast wanted to bend the Ice Princess to his will in a completely different manner. That frustrated Wolf even more.

“Ah, so you call being late on you rent, taking care of yourself.”

It was a low blow, but Wolf couldn’t help it. Ella riled him.

“You know nothing about me.” Ella’s clenched fists trembled by her side.

There was a cracking sound, and before Wolf could duck, the cabinet fell off the wall, striking him in the back. Ella cried out as she moved toward Wolf.

“I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” Ella’s hands fluttered over his shoulders, head and back, brushing away broken glass and dust.

“It’s not your fault. I’m fine. Watch out for the glass. That freaking quake must have loosened it.” Wolf shoved the debris aside. “Good thing I’m redoing all this.”

Ella frowned shaking her head.

“Please, Wolf, take me home.”

There were tears welling up in Ella’s eyes. The earthquake had obviously freaked her out. No doubt his attitude wasn’t helping. Something fiercely protective rose within Wolf, seeing her wounded expression.

“Hey now, I’m alright. We’ll go outside, where nothing else can fall on us.”

Wolf reached out his hand and encompassed Ella’s delicate fingers. Instantly that strange tingling sensation worked up his arm. His inner beast stood up in attention.

“I’m not afraid. It’s just…”

Ella was at a loss for words, as she frowned, casting such a sad look his way. Her hand gestured toward him and then to herself, obviously referring to the tension between them.

“Come on. Let’s call a truce. I’m sorry for being such an ass.”

Wolf led Ella through the clubhouse, out the back door, to the patio. There was a bonfire roaring, with people gathered round, talking and laughing.

“Wolf, you don’t understand. I really should go.”

Ella attempted to pull free of his grasp, but he refused to let her loose. Wolf liked the invigorating sensation her touch incited.

“Come on, Ella, relax a little. Would it make you feel better if you watched me get my ass kicked? We were going to set up a little boxing match,” Wolf coaxed.

“No, I think you got knocked in the head enough for one night.”

“Nah, it’s fine. There’s not much to hurt up here anyway.” Wolf knocked on his head, eliciting a smile from Ella. “Come on, hang out.”

Ella relented and sat on a bench with a sigh.

“I’m sorry,” she paused and nibbled her lip. “I think you misunderstood when you overheard me talking to my sister.”

“I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping. I wanted to see if you wanted to grab a bite to eat and get a ride. But, I am deadly serious about you walking after dark.”

Ella stared into the fire looking conflicted, her eyebrows drawn together. She opened her mouth several times to speak, then shook her head as if not knowing what to say.

“I know you wouldn’t know it, considering my recent request, but I’ve always taken care of myself.” Ella closed her eyes. “That sounds awful. My parents did their best to hold it together.” Ella continued to stare at the flickering fire as she paused.

Wolf kept quiet as he sat next to Ella. He got the feeling she was trying to gather the courage to say something that was hard for her to admit out loud.

“Sabine started getting sick when we were five. She’s been in hospitals more than she’s been at home.”

Wolf recalled seeing Ella’s sister’s name included on the lease. Although, best he could tell, the sister had never been to the apartment. If Sabine was in a hospital that would explain it.

No wonder Ella felt like she had to take care of herself. Her parents spent all their time taking care of an ill sibling, draining all their attention away from Ella. That was a rough way to grow up. At least with the pack, everyone was close knit. No child ever had to worry for affection.

“It must have been hard for you,” Wolf said as he squeezed Ella’s shoulder.

“We were in high school when dad died. And mom just couldn’t cope.” Ella paused, trapped in the memory, then looked at Wolf. “I don’t begrudge my sister, I’d be lost without her. She’s so strong. Sabine’s the only one who really understands me.” Ella shook her head.

Wolf now understood why Ella was able to shut herself off so efficiently. It wasn’t because she had no emotions. It was because life taught her, her emotions didn’t matter, when her sister’s health took priority. Wolf looked into Ella’s eyes, as she stared at the bonfire. The desolation in those hazel depths struck him hard. It was like a vise was constricting his chest.

“I admit I was shocked by what happened yesterday. I don’t do well with that sort of attention. I didn’t mean to imply…,” Ella paused awkwardly. “I just can’t have relationships like normal people,” she smiled sheepishly.

It was nice to know the cause of Ella’s disparaging comment, but what she just said bothered him. Wolf wondered if Ella had a hard time connecting with people, because of her parent’s neglect, or had something horrible happened while she was left alone? Ella looked incredibly uncomfortable seeing the guys in the trashed bathroom.

“Princess, did some guy do something he shouldn’t have?” Wolf asked, his voice filled with concern and dread. His beast snarled at the mere suggestion Ella might have been abused.

“No! Nothing like that.” Ella looked mortified. “But thank you for your concern.”

“Thank god.” Wolf shook his head, feeling relief.

“It’s just that I’m weird, really weird.” Ella looked down at her hands, turning them over as if she might find a discernible sign of this perceived difference.

“Like what? You don’t look like you have webbed toes.” Wolf glanced at her painted toe nails in the girly sandals. “And I certainly didn’t feel a tail yesterday.”

“It’s nothing like that.” Ella blushed as she swatted him.

“Normal is overrated,” Wolf chuckled. “I know two chicks, girlfriends of my buddies, who make weird look real fucking normal.”

Wolf thought about Iris, Cain’s old lady, who could see the future and read minds. Then there was Marisol, who could light your ass up, literally, if you looked at her crossways. Compared to that, everything else was child’s play.

 

Ella

Ella felt horrible that Wolf overheard her comment, and had taken offence. No wonder he’d been so cool toward her. Add that she was guarded with her emotions, and he obviously thought she was a big old B. She couldn’t really explain to him the reason she was so odd, but Wolf seemed to accept what little she could tell him.

“Hell, no one here comes close to being normal. You’re surrounded by a pack of animals,” Wolf said loud enough for everyone to hear.

The bikers around the fire-pit grinned then started howling into the night. Wolf tipped up his head and called to the moon. He did a great job mimicking his namesake. Ella couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. Wolf was attempting to cheer her up, and it was working.

“See, a bunch of freaks, every last one of us.” Wolf nudged her.

I can show you a freak.

Ella had no doubt that if Wolf knew the extent of her quirky nature, he truly would run howling into the night. She’d already nearly knocked his brains out, because she lost control in the kitchen.

“Thanks for the pep talk,” Ella replied.

She appreciated Wolf making peace with her. Unfortunately, that didn’t solve her problem. Even when the gorgeous man wasn’t antagonizing her, she was still on the edge. Just being around him, had her stretched to the limit.

“Just be yourself. We’re a bunch of badass rabid biker. There’s nothing you can do that would shock us.”

“Au contraire mon ami,” Ella snorted.

“You speak French.” Wolf looked at her with interest.

“Yes, my mother and father were from the old country.”

“I bet you could say the most boring shit in that accent, and it would still sound erotic.”

“Stop. There you go again being… being” Ella’s cheeks heated.

“Being male. Yeah, I know. But it’s too much fun watching your cheeks turn pink. I can’t help myself. Seriously say something else.”

“Wolf, je souhaite que je n'étais pas la façon dont je suis.” Wolf, I wish I wasn’t the way I am. “J'aimerais sentir vos lèvres pressées contre le mien.” I would love to feel your lips pressed against mine.

Ella felt strange saying such things to Wolf, but she meant them. Wolf was a flirt for sure, but he was turning out to be more sweet and empathetic than she gave him credit for. His honey-brown eyes glowed in the fire light, as he hung on every word she spoke. It took everything in her, not to get lost in them.

“Holy hell, woman, that’s hot. What did you say?” Wolf gave Ella a heated look, and she almost regretted giving in to his request, almost.

“That’s for me to know, and you to wonder forever.” Ella grinned evilly.

“You are an Ice Princess.” Wolf clutched his chest as if he were mortally wounded. Ella laughed at his antics. “I bet I could force you to tell me.”

Wolf reached out and tickled her ribs. Ella gasped. Not only was she terribly sensitive, but that it was Wolf teasing her, didn’t help. Ella felt the rapid spiraling of her control, that she’d only just got a handle on again. Ella held on tight, directing things inward. The vibration starting in her core, worked its way outward, despite her best effort to repress it.

“Wolf, please,” she half laughed, half cried out.

“Hey, Wolf, I thought we were going to throw down,” one of the bikers she’d seen yesterday, hollered at Wolf, as he approached the picnic table.

Wolf ceased his torment, and Ella sighed in relief. The distraction had come just in time.

“Are you going to be fine if I put Vick in his place? Things might get a little bloody.”

“I’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals. Blood stopped bothering me a long time ago,” Ella replied as she took several calming breaths.

“Alright then.” Wolf turned toward the guy with slick black hair. “It’s on Vick. I’ve officially been given permission to kick your ass.”

Ella watched with rapt attention as Wolf stood, and pulled off not just his leather jacket, but the tank top he wore as well.

Oh, wow.

The sight of Wolf short circuited her brain. In that moment, Ella knew god was cruel. No benign deity would torture her this way. Why did well-built men have those muscles at their hips that pointed straight toward their crotch?

“Like what you see, Princess?”

Before Ella could respond, Wolf swooped in and gave her a peck on the cheek, then sauntered into the middle of the yard. Her hand flew to her cheek. Ella felt the tingle of his lips against her skin. The warm sensation instantly ignited her gift and the picnic table started rattling. Ella kicked it to cover up the anomaly.

“Ow, crap,” Ella yelped. The pain in her foot distracted her and the table stopped its seizure.

An excited roar rose and Ella glanced over to see the fight had begun. The crowd hadn’t noticed her slip, since they were watching Wolf and Vick circle each other.

Ella watched the men go at it, but after a few blows were traded, she couldn’t stomach anymore. She hadn’t lied. She wasn’t squeamish about the sight of blood. It was the sickening thud of flesh meeting flesh, that she found disturbing.

Ella couldn’t help what she did next. She moved in close and projected her quirky gift toward the brawling duo. When Vick threw a punch that was certain to strike Wolf in the nose, Ella mentally deflected it, sending Vick staggering to the side. It took a lot more effort than she expected. There was something about the men that made them harder to move. It was a sensation she’d never experienced before.

“Drink a little too much,” Wolf taunted.

“Fuck you,” Vick growled.

Ella liked Wolf, and they had called a truce, but the man admitted he liked to antagonize her. In fact, he’d done a pretty good job of it. It was only fair to return the favor, particularly since he was being so cocky.

Wolf lashed out at Vick, and Ella slowed his motion just enough, that Vick was able to dance out of the way, laughing as he did.

“Who’s drunk?” Vick countered.

The men then went at it with increased aggression and mounting frustration. Ella found after her initial interference, she wasn’t as effective at keeping them from beating each other to a bloody pulp.

Maybe you’re exhausted, Ella reasoned. She’d never used her gift as much as she had the last few days, intentionally or unintentionally.

Vick struck Wolf in the ribs, but Wolf caught him in the head, opening a nasty gash in Vick’s brow.

Ew, I can’t watch this. Ella cringed as she drifted behind a taller biker, and waited it out. Boxing was obviously not her thing.

When the fight was finished, Wolf and Vick headed toward her. They didn’t look too beat up, considering they were just brawling. Vick shook his head looking perplexed.

“I don’t know. There’s been some truly bizarre shit going on lately,” Wolf mumbled back. “Hey, Ella, there you are. Are you ready to head home?”

Crap they noticed. She probably shouldn’t have tampered with their fight.

“Yeah. I think I’ve seen enough to put some ideas together,” Ella replied.

“Just let me clean up.”

Ella trailed Wolf into the clubhouse. The overhead light glistened off his sweat covered torso. His shoulders were incredibly broad, they practically spanned the hall. He had muscles that Ella didn’t even know were possible. A bead of moisture ran down the valley of his spine. Ella paused as she followed its descent, suddenly struck by what she saw.

Wolf’s back was covered with a giant tattoo, or was it a series, created by a single artist, worked together over time. Ella tilted her head as she panned the living artwork. The designs were done in all black. The way the artist laid down the ink, it looked fluid and smoky, like watercolor on paper. The execution, mixed with the depicted scenes, created a slightly macabre but breathtaking backpiece.

The silhouette of the moon and forest, contained several vignettes. One fascinating scene was the image of a man, climbing out of the mouth of a wolf. But the one that caught Ella’s attention the most, was of a couple. The man, with a head of a wolf, was clutching a scantily clad female. His mouth was open, teeth bared, poised to devour her. It screamed raw hunger, and dark desire. Ella stilled her hand before she forgot herself and reached out.

“What’s up?” Wolf turned and looked back at her, as he grabbed a towel near the sink.

“What?” Ella almost blushed. She’d been caught in the act of gawking.

“You touched my back.” Wolf grinned.

Ella’s eyes widened. She actually hadn’t touched his back, at least not with her fingers.

Stupid curse.

“Oh, sorry. I was admiring your tattoo. It’s really good,” Ella stammered, trying not to turn pink.

She couldn’t say she hadn’t touched him, so the truth spilled out before she could think of a better excuse.

It’s really good. Ugh. Seriously, Ella. You were just waxing poetic a moment ago, and that’s the best you come up with.

“I can’t take credit for it, but I do appreciate talent and beauty when I see it.” Wolf affixed Ella with that unnerving gaze, that sent the butterflies in her stomach aflutter.

“Oh,” Ella squeaked unintentionally. “Well, the artist is talented,” she attempted to recover.

Wolf smiled then washed up and took her home. Ella did her best to keep her hands still, as she gripped him, sitting on the back of his growling bike. It was hard to ignore the way his skin heated her hands, or the way his abs rippled beneath her fingertips. She tried to concentrate elsewhere, but his scent worked its way into her psyche as she pressed against his back. If that wasn’t bad enough the rumble of the motorcycle beneath her, sent vibrations to unmentionable places.

When Wolf pulled up at the apartment Ella hopped off the bike and hurried to her door. She was at the end of her rope. It wasn’t her gift so much, as it was the building desire she felt.

“Thank you for the ride. I had fun, and have a lot of good ideas,” Ella called over her shoulder, as she made it to her door. “I gotta let Wolf, I mean Wright out. Goodnight.” Ella smiled as she quickly let herself into her apartment.

“Goodnight, Ella,” Wolf chuckled, as she shut her door.

Ella leaned against her door and closed her eyes.

God you’re such a freak, Ella.