by Mac Flynn
A terrible light pierced my eyelids. I groaned and groped for a blanket. My hand pressed against something more firm and definitely not fluffy. I forced my eyes open and blinked into the bleary face of David Dives.
I yelped and shoved myself away from him. Unfortunately, that also shoved me out of the small quilt that lay over us. The morning sun drifted into the windows, but the autumn season chilled the air. The cool draft of the large room swept over me, as did his teasing eyes.
"Good morning," he greeted me.
I grabbed the corners of the quilt and pulled the blanket over me. That slid them off his body so it was my turn to take in the full view of his naked, godly form. A light coat of fur covered his arms and legs, and his hair trailed down his back like a mane. My eyes inadvertently moved down his body to the most interesting parts. A blush spread across my face and I rolled away from him.
"Aren't playboys supposed to be gone in the morning?" I scolded him.
He leaned his cheek in one palm and smiled. "That's the usual act, but you're in my house."
I shrank into the quilt. "Well, could you at least put on some pants?"
He shifted closer to me and one of his hands slid onto my hip. That familiar hot thrill raced up my body. He leaned forward and his whispered words ghosted over my ear. "You had no qualms about my lack of pants last night."
I shuddered and closed my eyes. "T-that's because you put some sort of a spell over me."
Dives chuckled and his hand slid closer to my hot core. "Or perhaps it's because you wanted me as much as I want you now."
A knock on the door ruined our-I mean, his fun. "Mr. Dives?" Puer called out.
Dives sighed and his hand retreated from my inner thigh. "Yes?"
"There was a phone call for you from Mr. Cotio. He wished for you to know that Latro has been asking questions about you again."
Dives growled and sat up. "Did he tell you what kind of questions were being asked?"
"He wouldn't say anything over the phone, sir, only that he would answer any of your inquiries if you came to see him," Puer replied.
The bed shifted. I glanced over my shoulder and watched Dives slip his jeans on. "All right. Tell him I'll be there in an hour."
"Very well, sir. Should I get breakfast for two in bed?" Puer wondered.
A crooked smile slipped onto Dives's face. "Not today, Puer. Just the usual fare at the table."
"Very good, sir." Puer's footsteps retreated down the hall.
I looked to Dives. "What's going on? Who's Latro?"
He slipped his arms into his shirt and pursed his lips. "Some humans aren't content to leave well-enough alone. This person is one of them."
"But who is he?" I persisted.
Dives stooped and gathered up my bundle from the floor. "Latro is a self-styled monster hunter, and I one of the monsters. How many changes of clothes do you have?"
I wrapped the sheet around my upper body and raised myself to a seated position. "I've got a few, but what's that got to do with this monster hunter?"
"Cotio's shop is downtown, and I thought I might buy you some new clothes as a thank-you for last night," he explained.
I frowned. "And who's this Cotio guy? He's the one Latro's bothering, right?"
Dives sat at an angle on the side of the bed and nodded. "Yeah. Cotio's my paranormal guy. He gets me what I need. Info, hair tonic, talismans. If it exists, he either has it or knows where it can be bought."
I tilted my head to one side and furrowed my brow. "So he's some sort of paranormal broker?"
Dives chuckled. "Something like that. He's got a lot of clients, and Latro would love to get those gloved hands on the list. My name especially is a prime target."
I raised an eyebrow. "And why's that?"
Dives shrugged. "Let's just say Latro and I go back a ways, and if we don't hurry our eggs will be cold."
"I'll be there in a minute," I promised.
He toyed with the knot atop my bundle. "I could help you dress."
I jerked my head towards the door. "Out."
Dives sighed and stood. "All right. I'll meet you in the dining room. It's to-"
"On the left of the entrance hall as you enter. I saw it last night," I reminded him.
He chuckled. "Smart girl. Anyway, see you in a while."
He left me to dress, and I was downstairs in a few minutes. The smells of a delicious breakfast wafted from the dining room, and I peeked through the archway to find two places set at the long, wide table. One was at the head and the other on the left. Dives was seated at the head and in front of him were plates filled with a variety of pastries, meats, and fruits.
Dives stood at my coming and pulled out the other chair. "There's nothing finer than fine food in the company of a beautiful woman."
"Flattery won't get you far," I warned him as I slipped into the chair.
He pushed me close to the table and resumed his seat. His smile never left his cute, kissable lips. "Perhaps not, but I have a terrible stubborn streak in me."
I rolled my eyes and piled food on my plate. "Did you have that before or after the cruise ship?"
"Both. It's a family trait," he replied.
I picked up my fork and tapped it on the table. "Speaking of family, and traits, does anyone else beside Puer, me and half the city know about your fur coat?"
He chuckled. "Only a few others, but we go to see only Cotio today."
Puer appeared in the doorway that led to the entrance hall. "I've informed Mr. Cotio of your arrival. Would you like me to get the car warmed?"
Dives shoveled some food into my mouth and nodded. "Yes. We'll be there in a few minutes." Puer bowed and left us.
My eyes flickered to Dives. "What's all this 'we' stuff?"
"I would enjoy your company," he commented.
I raised an eyebrow. "What about your allergic reaction to me? You break out in fur, remember?"
He paused and lifted his human hand to his face to study the fingers. "Much of the 'allergy' was exercised from me last night. We shouldn't have any problems, at least not until night."
I ate until I was full and set my fork down. "You know, I only agreed to be your house mate because you owe me a room. I didn't say I'd be your tag-along for your werewolf chores."
Dives smiled. He set down his fork and leaned back to dab the corners of his mouth with his napkin. "Why can't you do both?"
I frowned. "Because I already lost my apartment because you're a stubborn-ass werewolf. I don't want to lose something worse, like a limb or my car."
"But you gained a fine room here, and I did save your car," he pointed out.
I snorted. "Yeah, it's a nice room, but it's a little crowded, and the neighbor won't stop pestering me."
My host chuckled and stood. "Think of last night as a formal greeting. I promise I'll try not to take so much of your nightly attentions for the remainder of your stay." He held out his hand to me and grinned. "Besides, I don't think you really found my greeting so horrible."
I sighed and tossed down my napkin onto my plate. "No, I suppose not."
I took his hand and he pulled me out of my seat and against his chest. He stared into my eyes with his and there was a tinge of yellow in their depths. His soft, quiet voice was as smooth as velvet and left me with a hot feeling of lust in my body.
"I'm glad to hear it because I intend to do the same to you every night."
I rolled my eyes and pushed him away. "Come on, before the car runs out of gas."
CHAPTER 8