Just One Bite: Dances With Werewolves Book One Page 4

  Without her approval, tears erupted from her eyes.

  Her dog. Lucas.

  They’d both abandoned her.

  Because it seemed stupid to cry over a stray dog, she turned her resentment to the man. Was she that bad in the sack that a guy who’d seemed incredibly eager to get her into bed couldn’t even stick around to pretend he’d call her sometime?

  A car honked behind her and she realized the light had turned green. She was probably destined to have people always desert her, from her parents, to her first boyfriend. In fact, only Eva had stayed friends with her since high school and she would probably desert Rosie, too, if the right guy came along.

  Brushing away her tears, Rosie pulled into her apartment parking space. “Stop being such a whiner,” she muttered to herself between sniffles. “You have a good job, enough to eat, and you just had great sex. Some people never have sex, good or mediocre, so you’re way ahead of them…”

  ****

  He was pacing outside her apartment on Saturday night, his claws clicking on the cool cement. He just needed to see her to make sure she was alright. What a mess. He hadn’t thought she’d wake up last night while he was out for a quick run. And it wasn’t as though he could explain the need to run after sex as one of those whacky werewolf things. This was why he shouldn’t screw with humans. It was too complicated.

  Damn, he was going to be late. He’d only planned to wait until dusk to see if Rosie went for a jog. Then he amended his resolution to wait until the moon was in Orion. At full darkness, he turned to leave when he heard her sneakers on the cement. It was heavenly when she bent down to scratch his ears. He licked her cheek and started off on their now familiar path. He veered toward the shorter route and was relieved when she followed. It was too late at night for her to be jogging alone, but he didn’t have time to go the five mile trail. He also made her run faster, trying not to feel guilty about her being out of breath when he left her at her apartment.

  Then he raced home to change. He was going through all possible excuses for being late in the drive over to the homestead. Instead he made it to his parents’ security gate with three minutes to spare. Most of the clan was already there. His mother, the ever-gracious hostess, was handing out drinks and appetizers while they waited for a few stragglers to arrive.

  “Luke, my boy.” Uncle Harold’s meaty hand clamped down on his shoulder like a vice grip; his voice amplified by whiskey. “When are you going to settle down and give your sainted mother some grandchildren? After poor Robert…”

  The room stilled.

  No one ever acknowledged Robert’s incident.

  “That is… you’re not getting any younger…” Harold wandered off embarrassed, his loud gaffe having sobered him up considerably.

  “So what about it, brother?” Robert asked quietly from behind. “Have you chosen your mate yet?”

  “No.” Lucas almost envied his brother’s freedom. He could screw around with anyone he liked with no repercussions. Now the family looked at Lucas to continue the family line. Not that Lucas could acknowledge Robert’s good fortune. When he’d been neutered in wolf form by the SPCA, the family had been aghast, but apparently Robert still had all his human parts, he just couldn’t father any children.

  “You can’t decide? Annabelle would be a great asset to the family and she’s beautiful.”

  Lucas squirmed under Robert’s watchful eye. “Yes, but she isn’t right for me.”

  “What about Laura?”

  “I haven’t decided. When I do, I’ll let you know.”

  “Don’t leave it too long or you may run out of choices.” Robert lowered his voice even more. “You aren’t gay are you?”

  Lucas shook his head. How could Robert even ask him that?

  “So who’s the redhead?”

  Surprised, Lucas looked at Robert’s smiling face.

  “Okay,” Robert admitted. “I saw you walking into Pietro’s with her. Is it serious?”

  “God, no. It’s a fling. I know as well as anyone we can’t mate with a human,” Lucas reassured him. “But she’s so beautiful, I couldn’t resist.”

  “Be careful, little brother. It’s better not to tempt yourself with things you can’t have.”

  “What? You read that in a fortune cookie?” Lucas noticed the crowd had thinned out. “Hey, we’d better get moving, the moon’s calling.”

  Charging through the ravine with the underbrush barely rustling under his paws, Lucas couldn’t shake the sense that something was missing. And the feeling intensified when they met up with several other families in the clearing. Some of the younger pups were playing by the river, yelping at the sudden splashes of cold water. With a look to his brother, Lucas charged one pup and knocked him full force into the river much to the amusement of his friends. He pretended his own anger when the pup retaliated with a well-aimed shake of his soaking fur. Robert joined in the chase as they circled their elders in tests of speed and agility. He loved his clan and the feeling of community so why was he feeling anxious to be elsewhere?

  Annabelle nipped his flank and Lucas pinned her to the ground. But when the moment could’ve turned flirtatious, he let her up again. He didn’t seem even able to play at the sexual innuendos. She switched her attentions to his brother who was much more receptive. Lucas wished Annabelle would settle for Robert, but she’d been clear in her desire to breed.

  If only he could get over his stupid fixation with Rosie he could get on with his life. He’d hoped after possessing her, she would drift from his mind. Instead, she was consuming even more of his thoughts and energy. Lucas licked his paw while he pondered his conundrum. He needed to see more of Rosie and hopefully he would get bored with her. But then he’d run the risk she might start thinking love and marriage which was definitely out of the question. A sharp bark brought him to attention and the moon celebrations began.

  Lucas could sense the impatience of the younger pups at the rituals, but over the years he’d come to realize the importance in keeping the clan intact and communicating. Each individual’s survival was dependent on the cooperation of the whole group. As each new mating pair was announced, Lucas felt the eyes of several clan members shifting to him. It was time for him to make a decision. But how could he betroth himself to a mate for life when he knew he was obsessed with another? Lucas was relieved as they formed their final circle, preparing to disband.

  ****

  Was she going to tell Eva?

  She’d debated the idea all weekend not even answering her phone when she saw it was her friend. Now the question continued to plague her on the drive to work. And if she told her then how would she explain why she wasn’t seeing him again? She couldn’t let on he’d dumped her that fast. And given how sexy he was, why would Rosie have dumped him? Oh mind blowing sex, you know how boring it all gets. If only I could find an overweight, drunken accountant… Rosie smiled, picturing Eva’s face if she said that.

  Oh hell. What was the point of saying anything? Their relationship was based on pure chemistry.

  But damn she’d like to see him again. It wasn’t just the sex, she admitted to herself, although God knew that had been fantastic. They’d had such a nice date even before she slept with him. But obviously he didn’t feel that way or he wouldn’t have disappeared in the middle of the night. Once he’d screwed her, it was off to his next conquest.

  Rosie pulled into her parking spot while doing an eeny meeny miny mo routine in her head. Then she considered redoing it when it turned out that she was supposed to tell Eva. Maybe she’d see if Eva asked any leading questions and play it by ear.

  She didn’t have to wait long.

  “So where the hell were you, Rosie? I called you.” Eva caught her before she’d even taken her first sip of coffee. “Did you meet some exotic stranger and make wild, passionate love all weekend?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes I did.” Rosie smiled at how easy it was to confess.

  Eva grabbed half of Rosie’s bagel an
d started back to the elevator. “Yeah right… Let me guess, the lady in the apartment next door needed a kidney so you were in the hospital donating one.”

  “No, honestly, I did meet this gorgeous guy…”

  “Uh-huh. Keep saying it enough and one day it might come true.” Eva waved from the elevator.

  At least she didn’t have to lie.

  Her workday was incredibly boring and busy at the same time. She missed her lunch because her boss asked her to man the phones for a call he was expecting. He didn’t want to answer the phone himself and seem too available, but he didn’t want the guy to get the machine and not leave a message. Often work felt like a codependent relationship. Or was she an enabler in her boss’ delusions of grandeur?

  By the end of the day Rosie was tired and ready to run screaming from her desk. Instead she walked out of the building. She glanced around nonchalantly hoping against hope to see Lucas. A discreet sniff confirmed the bad news. He wasn’t waiting for her. I guess it was a one night stand. Well I’m not going to feel guilty, I did it and it was fun. Rosie smiled as she remembered. At least it had been great sex and not like Eva’s jackhammer guy.

  She was at her car when she heard a shout from behind.

  “Rosie.”

  She shivered at his voice. “Lucas.”

  “I’m glad I caught you before you left.” His smile was hard to read. Was he going to explain Friday night or just break off officially?

  “I’m in a bit of a rush…” Rosie lied.

  “I’m sorry about last Friday. I didn’t think you’d wake up before I got back.”

  “Whatever.”

  He jammed his hands in his front pockets. “I’d like to see you again.”

  “Really?” She fought to keep the smile from her face. She couldn’t let him off the hook that easily.

  “Yeah. I ran out to get some cream for your coffee in the morning and when I got back you were gone.”

  Rosie looked at him suspiciously. Something wasn’t quite right. He seemed to be hiding something. “So you just left me alone in your house while you went to the store? You know most people would’ve either woken me up or left a note.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” He took her hand and stepped closer to peer into her eyes. She could feel herself being pulled into his spell. “Will you let me take you out tonight to make up for it?”

  “I don’t know…”

  “You won’t regret it,” he murmured into her hair and against her better judgment she let herself melt into his embrace. He tilted her face up to his for a gentle kiss. “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty. What’s your address?”

  “Three-oh-five Pallasmore Drive, apartment one-ten.”

  “I’ll see you then.” Lucas pulled her against him for a mind numbing kiss then quickly released her. “Dress up and bring your appetite,” he advised as he turned back toward Grant Street.

  Rosie drove home in a daze having to constantly remember to pay attention to the traffic. After a truly horrendous weekend filled with self-doubt, now she was nervously optimistic. But what did he mean by dress up?

  CHAPTER 4

  What the hell was he doing? Lucas shoved his hair back from his face as he waited outside her apartment. Now he would have to break up with her later on down the road. But he didn’t want to give her up yet. He’d thought once he got her into bed, he’d be able to dismiss her as just another fling, but instead he wanted her even more.

  Was it because he knew he couldn’t keep her?

  She exited the elevator and hesitated. How could someone as beautiful as her seem so unsure of herself? The ugly worn carpeting and marked taupe walls made her look even more radiant in her fresh blue dress and flowing red hair. He watched the muscles in her legs flex and relax as she strode in her high heels toward the glass door between them. Yes, there were beautiful, available women in the pack, but none of them affected him this strongly. He smiled as she stepped out to greet him.

  “Rosie, you look stunning.” Lucas leaned down to kiss her lightly on each cheek.

  “Thanks. You too… I mean…” She laughed. “Nice suit.”

  “Thank you.” He put his arm around her shoulders as they walked to his car. It wasn’t just lust. He needed to touch her body. Then that contact made him need more. Could he last through dinner and dancing without going crazy with desire? He kissed the top of her head and inhaled her sweet scent before helping her into his car. He walked behind the car to his own seat and gathered his wits en route. Lust was temporary. When this obsession passed he’d be able to move on to an appropriate mate.

  “So where are we going?”

  “Le Commodore. I hope you can dance in those heels?”

  “One way to find out. I hope you’re not too attached to your toes?” Her mischievous smile made him chuckle.

  “I’d give up both feet just to hold you in my arms,” Lucas joked then wondered how far from the truth that was. He’d never felt this burning need for someone before and it unnerved him. There was too much at stake for him to fall in love with this woman.

  ****

  It wasn’t crowded. Rosie had read about the celebrities hanging out at Le Commodore and it always sounded like a mass of seething beautiful bodies. Instead, there was the classy dining area elevated above the vast dance floor. The band stand was huge but unoccupied and a subtle swing song was hovering just below the sporadic conversation.

  “I love the décor here. It’s like an old movie theatre with the red velvet curtains and everything.” Rosie sat down then had to stand up again as Lucas pushed her chair in for her. God she was bad at those chivalrous things. “Let me guess, your family designed this club, too?”

  “No. I wish we had.” Lucas signaled to a waiter. “Something to drink?”

  “Um, a red wine would be nice.” Rosie tried to remember what he’d ordered last time in case he asked what kind. Her alcohol ordering was mostly limited to house red or beer.

  “Mondavi, okay?”

  “Lovely. So what’s good here?” she asked after the waiter had deposited the menus and left with their wine order.

  “They have wonderful filet mignon.”

  “And the pastas?”

  He grinned, a glint of teeth. “I’ve never tried anything else.”

  The waiter appeared and served the wine. Rosie tried not to giggle at his serious expression as he waited for Lucas’ approval. She almost wished Lucas would send the wine back to see if the waiter would commit hari-kari in response.

  Instead he ordered their meals and sent the waiter on his merry way.

  ”To new beginnings.” Lucas raised his glass to hers.

  His warm smile made her feel giddy inside and when he reached across to take her hand, she was emotionally flying. How could a man she hardly knew affect her so strongly? Could this be love? No, it was too soon to be asking that.

  The food was incredible. And the way it was laid out on her plate was so pretty it seemed a pity to eat it. She hadn’t really known what to expect, but it was way better than the microwavable version from the supermarket. After their coffees he stood up and held out his hand.

  “May I have this dance?”

  “Sure.”

  She wondered if it would be as amazing as the last time they danced or if now that she’d slept with him he’d lose that sense of mystery. They stepped down to the sunken ballroom. An eight piece band had started up during dinner and several other couples were now circling the dance floor. Rosie hoped she wouldn’t trip on his feet.

  His arms lightly circled her as they swayed into the rhythm and, if anything, her feelings of lust were intensified. His crazy scent set every nerve in her body aflame with desire. And this time when she kissed his neck, she didn’t feel the need to apologize. His hands pressed her intimately to his body as if they were already making love.

  “Lucas?”

  The voice barely rose above the music, but Rosie felt his body stiffen immediately as he turned toward the couple beside them.<
br />
  “I thought it was you.” The woman was right off the pages of Vogue– large eyes, cut cheekbones, delicate nose, pouty lips, all on a tall curvy frame that would make Pamela Anderson jealous. And her crowning glory was a luxurious blonde mane that flowed around her face and shoulders like shiny silk. Rosie stared in vain, trying to find even one physical flaw.

  “Hello, Annabelle.” His voice was friendly and if it weren’t for the rigidity in his body, Rosie would’ve assumed he was pleased to see the woman.

  “I’m so glad I ran into you,” Annabelle continued. “I found your watch from the other night.” She glanced at Rosie then seemed to dismiss her as inconsequential. As she returned her attention to Lucas, her voice lowered to a seductive purr. “We should get together again soon and I’ll return it.”

  The man holding Annabelle scowled, apparently feeling as threatened as Rosie.

  “Just toss it,” Lucas replied. “I have better watches. It was nice seeing you.”

  With that, he pulled Rosie into his embrace and started dancing again. Rosie stumbled over his feet in surprise.

  “Sorry,” she mumbled, trying to recover her sense of rhythm.

  “No, I’m sorry.

  A quick peek revealed Annabelle still glaring in their direction, ignoring her partner’s discomfort. Could she ask him? Hell, if she was going to sleep with him again, surely she could ask him.

  “Um, so who is that?” Rosie fought to keep her voice casual.

  “Just a friend of the family.”

  She could feel the tension in his back again and his kiss on her temple felt like an attempt to divert her attention. Now she was really curious.

  The song ended and the band leader announced they would be taking a short break. Rosie breathed a sigh of relief. The dance floor was feeling like hostile territory. She couldn’t help wondering if he was using her to get back at Annabelle. Had they been lovers? The watch comment had implied as much.

  “Would you like a drink?” Lucas asked as he directed her back to their table.