Free 2: Leer - Pack Takeover by Carys Weldon Page B

small of my back--like he already owns me. And he does. No. Really . I know I had a smug look on my face. There wasn’t a chick in the place that wasn’t envying me at that moment. I felt it in my bones, and in the clawing stares that pierced my back and shoulders from all sides. Psychic attack? Nuts, I know. But it happened. You can’t tell me different.
     
     
    Leer towers over me. Makes my five feet eight inches seem petite. We looked damn good together, too. I saw it in the glass on the door as we went out.
     
     
    I think he was thinking the same thing.
     
     
    I was proud to be with him. To be leaving with him. Never mind the fact that I’d just met him. And I know every woman in the place watched us walk out. Just had to say that again, in case you had any doubt. I know they were watching.
     
     
    So, out in the open air, I stopped, breathed in--tried to clear my head. I couldn’t think.
     
     
    He smiled, one of those toothy, wolfish grins. “Feels good to be outside. Doesn’t it?”
     
     
    I tipped my head back and looked up at him. A slight breeze wafted across us, swirled around him and came back at me--smacking me hard with that scent of his. I went weak at the knees. He put a hand to my elbow, concern in his eyes.
     
     
    “You okay?”
     
     
    I offered him a tepid smile and joked, “Yeah. That was a breath of fresh air. You don’t get those in the middle of town.” But I was thinking, No. I’m not all right. And I can’t figure out what the hell’s the matter with me. I just know it has something to do with you.
     
     
    He asked, “What’s your name?”
     
     
    I didn’t want to say. You know, rendezvous with a stranger and all that. But he was watching me, looking me straight in the eye. I was mesmerized. My lips worked of their own accord. “Kay…Kayty.”
     
     
    Suddenly, there was something in his gaze--a recognition, I guess. No. Satisfaction. Followed up with an instant of pure pleasure. And then…nervousness. He gulped, verifying, “Kayty Smalls?”
     
     
    Okay. That confused me. How did this complete stranger guess my last name?
     
     
    I squeaked a little, I think. “How--how did you know?”
     
     
    His hand on my elbow became tight. He suggested, “Let’s walk.”
     
     
    I didn’t have any choice in the matter. Not that I wouldn’t have followed him anywhere. But--he practically carried me with that one hand under my elbow. His sense of direction is impeccable. He took me straight toward my apartment building. That was a little spooky. He could smell my trail. That’s what it really was. Not nearly as scary once you examine it. Well, maybe it is. Werewolves can stalk you by your scent. Just like real wolves.
     
     
    They are wild animals. Let me confirm that for ya.
     
     
    He didn’t talk the entire time we walked. Not until we were at my door. He said directly, “Look. My name is Leer. I’ve been looking for you.”
     
     
    I blinked.
     
     
    “For me?”
     
     
    “Yeah.” Getting a little antsy, he jerked his head toward the door. “Mind if we talk about it inside?”
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Truth is, some sense of self-preservation could have kicked in any time. But no, it was like I was under his spell, not thinking for myself. Something about being with him was just right. I can’t really explain it.
     
     
    I unlocked the door, pushed it open and gestured for him to go in. But he shook his head and let me step inside first. I turned just in time to see him checking behind, as if someone were out there--maybe following us.
     
     
    Shivers crawled over my back.
     
     
    Leer closed the door and faced me, putting his hands on his hips. That was the first time he looked indecisive--a little unsure. Finally, he repeated, “My name’s Leer.”
     
     
    I offered him another one of those pathetic smiles.
     
     
    My apartment was small, more claustrophobic than it had ever been with his