Free fate of the alpha - episode 2 by Tasha Black

tiny paws skittering across the pine floors of the flat.
    Camilla Parker Bowles tore into the room and sailed through the air to land at Sadie’s side. Immediately, she flopped herself down next to the wolf and tucked her tiny snout into the indentation between Sadie’s shoulder and head. Mournfully, she looked up at Julian for a long moment, then closed her eyes.
    Julian backed away from the sad scene as he heard Grace’s light steps in the kitchen.
    “She’s crated when I’m not here. I don’t know what else to do. She doesn’t seem to mind,” Grace explained.
    “They like the feeling of a den,” Julian said, quoting some dog trainer or other.
    “Mmm,” Grace said, but her expression was uncertain.
    Julian knew he should just go. He had managed to spend two hours with Grace without screwing it up royally. It would be great to leave on an up-note for once.
    “I guess I should--” he began.
    “Have you eaten?” she asked at the same time. She smiled. It was a nervous smile but her eyes were hopeful.
    “I haven’t eaten, no,” he said, hoping it wasn’t a mistake, but not really caring, especially if staying might mean another smile. “I guess I just didn’t think about it, what with all the kidnapping and werewolves and whatnot.”
    “Yes, you’re new to Tarker’s Hollow,” Grace nodded, “I’m sure it can be overwhelming at first.”
    “At first ?” he asked. “Do you mean to tell me that this was just an average Saturday night for you?”
    Grace laughed and ran a hand across her cheek to smooth a stray tendril back up into her gleaming bun.
    “No, tonight was actually pretty crazy, even for Tarker’s Hollow.” She turned and looked into his eyes earnestly. “I’m really glad you were there.”
    “Me too,” Julian managed as his heart hiccuped. “So, what’s for dinner?”
    “Something easy...Pancakes?” she asked.
    “Perfect,” he nodded.
    “Okay, but I need to change first,” she said, and indicated the stool at the counter.
    Julian smiled and pulled it up close to the counter so he could watch her work when she returned.
    Grace disappeared into the bedroom and closed the door behind her.
    Julian tried not to imagine her taking off the uniform, but knowing she was naked just a few steps away drove him more than a little crazy. He looked around the kitchen, desperate for a distraction.
    A small round tin on the counter drew his attention. He pulled it over and as he did, he thought he heard bells ringing in the distance.
    The tin itself was a simple thing, meant for Christmas cookies, although it was a bit too early for that. The picture on the lid depicted the creche, with baby Jesus in his manger, and the animals watching over him, shaggy and gentle.
    Julian took a look around. The tin seemed out of place in Grace’s carefully appointed apartment.
    What could be inside?
    He glanced up at the door, but it gave him no clue as to how much longer she would be changing clothes.
    Unable to contain his curiosity, Julian spun the lid, applying gentle pressure. He found the contents less mysterious than he’d hoped.
    Simple cookies, shaped like pigs. Their aroma was heavenly. Surely Grace wouldn’t mind if he helped himself to one while he waited.
    Grace’s bedroom door flew open before he had gotten the cookie halfway to his mouth. She gasped and stared at him in horror.
    “I am SO sorry,” he said, quickly returning the pig to the tin with its brethren. “I saw the pretty tin and I was curious. And then they seemed so delicious.”
    “That’s okay,” she said breathlessly, in a way that made him sure it was not okay, though he couldn’t imagine why. It was embarrassing that she’d caught him looking at her cookie tin, but it wasn’t like he’d been pawing through her lingerie or anything.
    “They smell delightful. Did you make them?”
    “No, my abuela - my grandmother- did,” she explained as she replaced the lid to the tin and put it on the counter, out of his