Free BlackMoonRising by Melody Lane Page A

actually say
anything about killing the elder Mr. Fleming. He just acted like Herman did
it.”
    “Right. They didn’t admit it this time. I need to rest a few
minutes but I won’t be able to shift again. You’ll have to go to the car and
get our clothes.”
    Eric glanced around them. “Looks like nobody’s out here.
Damn cold, though.” He crossed his arms and rubbed them together.
    “He hurt my leg and my arm.” He moved his right side and
grimaced in pain.
    “I’m already feeling sore too. We’re sure to have bruises
later.”
    “I saw that blown pupil you were talking about. It certainly
stands out. Could have been from a previous traumatic eye injury.”
    “Yeah, I thought so too.” Eric stood. “I’ll be back as soon
as I can.”
    Steve closed his eyes and let his body rest. He hoped he
would be able to get up by the time Eric returned.
    * * * * *
    Herman was shocked at Steve’s appearance when he entered the
apartment. His right eye looked bruised and his cheeks were swollen. “What
happened? Tell me!” He jumped up from the couch.
    “There’s something we need to discuss first. Sit back down.”
    He fell to the couch. “What’s going on?”
    “I’m a shapeshifter.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Herman croaked.
“That’s kind of an important piece of information.”
    “I’m sorry, Herman. We’ve had enough issues with your
problems that I hadn’t thought about telling you mine. Eric is one and so was
my dad. Suzy and my mom aren’t.”
    “What do you shift to?”
    “My family can only be domestic dogs.” Steve shrugged. “I
was told that a hundred years ago my ancestors could shift into any animal they
chose. But living in this city, even all those years ago, it wasn’t normal to
see a tiger or bear. A dog always blends in. I don’t know whether it was by
choice or necessity but it happened and stayed with us.”
    He shook his head. “Unfuckingbelievable. It’s one thing
after another with you. Since we haven’t known each other very long, I guess
I’m on a need-to-know basis. Is there anything else you’re not telling me? Any
other issues that will shock me when I’m least expecting it?”
    Steve cocked an eyebrow. “I could ask you the same
question.”
    “Really?” Herman snorted. “Is that the best you can do? No,
Steve, I have no other secrets. I’m just a boring, gay human firefighter who is
on the run from the law for a murder he didn’t commit. The bounty hunter out
for my arrest hid me in his apartment, where we have hot-blooded sex that I
hope will never end. End of my fucking story.”
    Herman went into the bedroom, slammed the door and threw
himself on the bed. Not only was he in hiding for a crime he didn’t commit,
he’d fallen for a guy with his own issues. His life was a mess. He didn’t know
if this whole romance thing was a good idea or not. But damn, why was their
private time together so passionate? Why did things feel so right? Why was he
already in love?
    Steve knocked on the door. He opened it and peeked around
the corner. “I’m sorry. Can I come in?”
    Maybe Herman should go with the flow. Throw caution to the
wind. Live and let live. All the clichés. He let out a breath. “Yeah. Why not?
It’s your place. Your messy place.”
    “You now know all my secrets, Herman. One, I still have
nightmares about my dad’s death. Two, I had anxiety about why you left me.
Three, I’m a shapeshifter. Four, I’m gay. That’s it.”
    “All right.” Herman shrugged. “Whatever. You shouldn’t have
anxiety about me anymore because we’re both gay and we spend a lot of time
naked together. Two of your issues are gone. I do know a little about
paranormals. We have a couple at the fire station. There’s a shifter who is a
firefighter, and a vamp who works a desk job since he can’t get near fire. I’m
comfortable with them, but wasn’t expecting this from you.”
    “How many times do I have to say I’m sorry? I truly