“You might as well ask it,” I prompt her, “so I can be done with telling you no.”
The librarian snorts, and just like that, my control slips away again.
I misread the situation.
Juliet smiles, full of smug superiority. “You can’t tell me no. You know why?” She steps in close, still holding the bat in one hand. Her free fingers curl into a fist, which she presses into my chest, pushing me, even as I remain where I stand. “Because I don’tneedto ask. Because all I need is your existence.” Her fist pushes harder, and I wonder if she’s trying to emphasize the fact that I remain solid—and therefore I’m doing exactly what she wants. “Just go on existing, Roderick Jameson. Continue living and breathing, and you are fulfillingallmy needs.”
The way she says the last bit …all her needs.
Suddenly, I want to make her needy. Make her beg for me. I want Juliet on her knees in front of me, her hands on my thighs, fingers digging into the stiff fabric of my jeans as she gazes up at me, eyes pleading.
Only, in that situation, I’m not sure I could tell her no.
Don’t tell her no. Tell her yes. Always yes, my wolf says.
I’m on the verge of growling something mean, just to cover the happy voice of my wolf, when I notice slight tremors running over her body.
My first thought is that she’s scared. Scared of me. Scared of this late-night confrontation.
And the idea that I’m causing the little librarian fear twists a sick feeling through my stomach.
But then I see the goose bumps scattering over her exposed skin, and I remember that humans don’t run as hot as wolves do.
I shouldn’t be worried about if she’s cold or not. I should be focused on getting answers.
But all my thoughts turn to the idea of dragging the elusive woman into my arms to warm her against my chest.
That option is unacceptable, so I step back.
“I’ll find out why you’re here,” I warn as I return to my bike.
“You don’t need to know!” She huffs, her smugness replaced by exasperation.
But she’s wrong.
Because if there’s one thing my wolf and I agree on, it’s that we both want to find out everything there is to know about Juliet Adair.
15
JULIET
I’m almostcertain I’m sitting at a table with a werewolf.
The Wild Rabbit is a busy restaurant with people talking and laughing and eating in every inch of the place. To go along with the name, the walls are covered in framed images of famous bunnies. The decor should be tacky, but instead, the mismatched elements come off as shabby chic. I’ve only ever come in to pick up some takeout from the bar, getting an outside glimpse of the revelry. Tonight though, I’m seated at the largest table in the place with the local crafting group.
Zoey was the one who texted me about coming to Sip ’N Stitch. I don’t knit, or crochet, or sew, but I figured I could bring my paper crafts and drink just like the rest of the members of the group.
Besides, it’s time I lay down more roots in this town. Make more friendships. Get more allies to keep a certain wolf from sending me on my way.
As I carefully cut out paper leaves, I glance out of the corner of my eye, attempting to study Courtney on the other side ofZoey. She, like Thad and Roderick and Warner, gives off wolfy vibes. I don’t know what part of my brain picks up on the clues, but I’m almost positive she goes hairy at the full moon.
Part of my mind tells me I should be scared. For me and for Zoey.
But the charismatic woman has been friendly all night, joking about love lives and drawing the attention away from me when a club member or two got a little too nosy.
Doesn’t seem like Courtney is here on Roderick’s agenda. Not looking to intimidate me into abandoning Pine Falls.
If anything, Courtney seems interested in becoming my friend.
