Free Blurred Expectations by Carrie Ann Ryan

make physical contact again. Leaning against the counter, she studied him. He was human. Nothing remotely magickal or paranormal about him, yet there was something in the way he carried himself and moved.
    Shaking her head, she shifted to peer out the window. The snow was coming down in sheets. “Looks like we’re in for the night.”
    Fabric sliding over fabric indicated he’d moved closer to look out the window. “At least.”
    She lifted her gaze to meet his. He smiled, and she thought her knees would give out. Stepping around him before she completely embarrassed herself, she walked out of the kitchen. “Come, I’ll show you to the guest room and get some extra blankets.”
    The trip down the hall was the longest in her two hundred twenty-three years of life. The male following her put her cat on edge.
    Stopping at the linen closet, she grabbed sheets and a couple of blankets and handed them to him. She quickly turned into the bedroom to her left. “The shower is across the hall, and there is firewood on the back porch. Would you like me to get you some?”
    “No. I think I can manage.” He offered her another gentle smile, and the air in the room grew thick.
    “I’ll leave you to clean up. I’m kind of a night creature, so I hope I won’t disturb you.”
    He looked around the room before meeting her stare again. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome,” she said softly and walked back down the hallway toward the living room. It was her fault he was here, stranded. If she hadn’t darted in front of his car like an irresponsible cub, he’d be on his way to see his family.
    An all-too-familiar energy nudged at her psyche, and her mood lifted. She went straight to the front door and opened it before Shayna Andrews could knock. “Why on earth are you here in this weather?”
    Laughing, the beautiful blond stomped her snow covered boots on the porch and entered the cabin. “I was hunting and wondered a little too far out, and then it started snowing, suddenly.”
    Danica shook her head. Shay was always testing her adopted brothers’ abilities to track her. She liked to see how far from town she’d get before they caught up to her. “Doesn’t pissing your brothers off get old?”
    A mischievous smile lifted the side of her mouth. “Nope. But, this time, I was actually hunting. You know how focused I can get in cat form.”
    “Yeah. That focused curiosity is going to get you in trouble.” Danica motioned to the kitchen and frowned. She’d advised Keegan to allow Shay out of town to learn to use her skills for the Packs. But, no, the Alpha leopard refused to let his princess out of his sight. It was a shame that a twenty-five-year-old tiger shifter had to be under guard 24/7. Keegan was blinded by the fear he’d lose her the way he’d lost his mate during the attacks on the den over two centuries ago.
    “Speaking of your brothers…”
    “Blaine should be here in about three seconds.”
    Danica shook her head again. It always surprised her how much Shay was in tune to her adopted brothers. Then she froze. “Did you say Blaine?”
    “Yeah…hey, you have a male here.” Shay walked toward the hall, sniffing the air. “And he’s human. Way to go, Dani!”
    Cursing, Danica tugged at her arm. “Please don’t. It’s not what you think. I caused his car to crash. I’m taking him into town tomorrow to use a phone.”
    Shaking her head, Shay locked gazes with her. “You can’t bring a human into Ashwood Falls. Father will have a wolf.”
    Danica dropped her shoulders. “I have no choice.”
    “You could’ve left the human alone.” The deep, stern male voice made her wince, but didn’t surprise her. She felt the leopard’s presence about two seconds ago.
    “I’m a healer, Blaine.”
    Blaine leaned his large frame against the counter, one dark brow raised. “Was he hurt?”
    “No.”
    “Then he was none of your concern.”
    Danica’s patience with the Enforcer was growing very thin.