Renea laughed. "Not at all, I am a Panther. I have been so for as long as I can remember."
Dante leans in again and this time flicks his tongue out to run up her neck tasting her sweat along her body as he does. Renea doesn't move feeling the predatory shifter beside her stiffen as he growls under his breath. Renea knew better than to move or cause the wolf she felt slightly under the surface to chase her in a way she wasn't sure she wanted. Renea tenses slightly but it was enough that the wolf growls louder causing her to still.
In the world of shifters, one has to be careful with whom they tangle with or they may find themselves in a predatory situation such as this one. It is a fine balance of prey or predator. Right now, Renea was the prey and his wolf was way too close to the surface. She remained as still as possible until Dante could gain control again.
Wolf shifters are a very different breed compared to other shifters. You see in typical shifters, their animals are a part of themselves. They're not a completely separate subconscious part. They function as one. Wolf shifters are two beings in one. They think independently, move together, and work together as one. When it boils down to it though one side can be more dominant than the other and occasionally the wolf can become harder to control.
Dante ran his tongue up her neck again and along her ear. He made a strangled noise and moved closer and pressed his body into hers pushing her into the countertop. He kissed along her jawline and then captured her mouth dragging a hand into her hair to keep her there. He deepened the kiss as Renea relaxed into his grip and allowed him access. Once their tongues met fire raced through them causing an urgent need between them. Renea dropped her water and it splashed all over their feet. Neither took notice as desperate hands clawed at each other. It became a race of tongues as they tangled with each other.
Suddenly Dante pulled back, once again in control of his wolf. He held a horrified look on his face, "I am sorry. I don’t know what came over my wolf." He backs away from her slowly and turns and leaves the room.What the hell is wrong with me! I have never been so affected by someone before. She doesn't smell or taste like a cat. She smells like heaven and tastes like canine. She feels like my mate.Dante's eyes grew large as he realized what thought had come forward. He walked to the office, closing the door behind him to get ahold of himself.
Renea
What the hell was all that about,Renea thought to herself. While she knew that Dante was embarrassed by his behavior, she hadn't exactly minded it either. She had been lit on fire with that kiss. Passion burned through her as her breathing slowed. Something felt right inside her. Her cat purred in anticipation and satisfaction.
Why do I feel the same for Caleb as I do for Dante though? Just last night I was coming undone in Caleb's strong hands and this morning, it is Dante's wild ones.
Renea turned to grab some paper towels to clean up the water mess she had made. Cleaning up allowed her a moment to breathe. To calm herself and think through the mess she had gotten herself into. Stuck between these two men was a difficult place for her. She wasn't exactly the relationshiptype of person and kept to herself mostly. And then there was this mystery person chasing her for whatever reason. Renea finished cleaning up the water, tossing the towels in the trash bin next to the door and walked out into the main part of the store. Unsure of what to do she looked around. Dante was still locked behind his office door. She could see four rows of shelves of toys lined all the way to the very top. A ladder was placed on one side of the store, probably to grab those toys from on top of the shelves. It was very organized and complete. Dante clearly held a lot of pride in his store. Renea walked the long line of shelves checking out all the toys in the store. Giving herself and Dante time to calm themselves. By the time she had reached the last aisle, Dante had still not emerged from his office. Renea sighed and stepped behind the counter.
She walked to the office door and knocked timidly. She waited a moment hoping Dante would open it but instead he did not. Renea reached down and turned the knob, finding it unlocked, she opened the door. Sitting behind the desk with his head in his hands was Dante. He looked a mess as she stepped into the room leaving the door open. Dante didn't glance up at her and only stiffened as she approached his desk.
Staying on the other side of the desk Renea cleared her throat, "It is okay Dante, I know your wolf was in control back there and you didn't mean to."
Dante didn't move from his position but shook his head. "He was but I was still aware and didn't stop him at first. I shouldn't have allowed that to go so far. I am sorry."
Renea steps around the desk and pulls Dante's hands down from his face. She crouched beside his chair and looked him in the face. "It is okay, I am okay. I am a big girl and could have pushed for it to stop myself but did not. Something.." Renea hesitates, "it felt right. Even if I don't want to admit it to myself. Something is strong between us. I feel the pull inside and I don't know what it is but…" Renea trails off.
Dante looks up slowly, "You feel it too?" he asks her gently, afraid of her answer.
Renea shakes her head yes and stands up as Dante pushes his chair back and grabs her around the waist crushing their lips together. Renea doesn't stop him.Oh, what have I done?She thinks as her tongue licks across his lips. He lifts her onto the edge of his desk scattering a few papers and some pens across it. Renea wraps her legs around his waist dragging him in closer. They lose themselves in each other for a moment, when a sound from the front reaches them as a bell rings out across the store. Someone was at the door. They heard a bang on the door as someone pounded hard against it.
Dante sighs as he pulls back from her. He helps Renea stand up and she straightens herself as Dante heads to the front of the store to see who could be at his door wanting in so badly. Dante opens the blinds and there is Caleb standing there frantic and wide eyed. Dante opens the door, "What is it, Caleb? You look like you've lost your best friend. Everything okay?"
Caleb rushed inside and closed the door. "Where is she?" Caleb looks around, eyes darting from aisle to aisle. "I know she is here, Dante!"
"Who? Renea, you mean? She is in the office. Calm down man, you will scare the mess out of her looking like that." Dante slapped Caleb on the shoulder.
Caleb ran a hand over his face and took a deep breathe in before blowing out. He took a moment to calm himself. Renea walked out of the office, pausing when she noticed Caleb there with Dante. Caleb rushed around the counter and towards Renea. "Are you okay? The boys just told me what happened. Why didn't you call me? I'd have met you here sooner." Caleb rushed out as he checked her over, realizing she was okay he dragged her into his arms.
Renea looks over Caleb's shoulder at Dante. He stiffens as he realizes that Caleb and her were apparently dating. He had made out with this man's girl. Renea sees the recognition in his eyes before Caleb pulls back. He brought his hands up to her face, sliding his fingers across her jawline, he looked into her eyes to make sure she was truly alright.
"We found a picture of the man that is following you at the event last night. While he managed to destroy our equipment for the time he was there, we always keep a backup in case of things such as this. I was taught to do things the old school way first. Anyways, he seems to not be connected to you in any way and doesn't have any ties that I can find. In fact, he is nothing more than a face at this point." Caleb pulls out his phone showing her the image of this man.
Renea stiffens and nods her head agreeing this was the man she saw. "What does he want with me though? Why is he chasing me across town and in animal form at that? He is risking us all if the world finds out what we are. That we walk among the world so freely and no one knows what we are. They will panic and destroy us all."
Caleb pulled Renea to his chest, Renea's eyes met Dante's and she frowned. She knew this hurt him to see. Especially after the moment they had just shared. Dante's face was unreadable as he locked his emotions deep down though. Renea pulled back from Caleb slightly trying to ease the tension that held so heavy within her. She liked them both but she couldn't have her cake and eat it all too. It would never work, but how would she ever choose just one.
Dante
Dante watched as Caleb embraced her and his wolf rose to the surface in a raging fit. He wanted to claim his mate. Dante pushed him back and regained his composure and skillfully hid his emotions with his blank face. He stood there staring into Renea’s knowing eyes. She had caught his momentary lapse there and she was not going to forget it. She knew this was hurting him even if he tried to hide it. He watched her posture stiffen as she separated from Caleb’s embrace and put a bit of distance between them. She was trying to tell him she knew what he was thinking and that it was complicated.
Dante knew this was about to become very complicated for all those involved. Dante was not about to give up though. He felt a connection with Renea and his wolf had already claimed her. He knew it would be impossible for him to just walk away from her now.
Renea backed up a few more steps from Caleb keeping him at a distance while watching Dante with furtive glances. Dante took a step toward her and then thought better of it and stopped at the counter instead. He sat in the chair behind the counter. Facing the couple standing there, “What is the plan, Caleb?” Dante began. “I know you have something up your sleeves here.”
Caleb seemed surprised as he glanced back at Dante, almost as if he forgot he was even there. “To keep her safe of course,” he said simply with a shrug. Turning back to Renea he held his hand out, “Are you ready to go?”
Renea glances at Dante hesitating before nodding and taking Caleb’s hand. “I need to get back home. I could use a shower and a change of clothes. Maybe a strong drink while I am at it.” Renea ran her other hand through her hair.
