Or challenge them.
If I stare for long enough, study every nuance, could I find the tiniest of cracks? Just enough of a handhold to wedge the tips of my fingers in?
But I have no plans to climb this man. I am the ex-less librarian who handles all of her own needs.
And I definitely don’t need a werewolf.
“You know sign language?” Roderick asks and gestures at the same time. His hands move with a forceful grace, keeping Thad included in the conversation.
Still, I decide it should be illegal for this man to know ASL. Also, for him to speak. The sight of his controlled finger movements, paired with the deep growl of his voice, is some kind of crime.
Probably arson since I think my panties caught fire.
“A little,” I respond, also gesturing and speaking simultaneously. Hopefully, no complicated questions get thrown my way. I’m going to need a lot more practice before I can hold any type of in-depth conversation.
Also, I think I need to flesh my backstory out more with how intensely Roderick is staring at me. My armpits start to sweat, and I mentally repeat my fake Social Security number to myself.
Not that he would have any reason ever to ask for that or that I would have any reason to give it to him.
“You’re new here.”
Despite neither his tone nor his facial expression conveying a question, I still nod. Maybe he’s not a questions kind of guy. That would be perfect. If he’s one of those stoic men who doesn’t care about other people, he’ll just grunt and go on his way, dismissing the inconsequential human.
Perfect. He’s abrupt, but that’s fine. When we cross paths, we’ll just nod in greeting and?—
He scowls down at me. “When are you leaving?”
2
RODERICK
If I’d hadmy thoughts in order, I probably would’ve asked the question with more tact.
Unfortunately, the second my wolf caught scent of this woman, the beast was clamoring at me to step in closer, bury my face in her fiery hair, and breathe in deep.
Paper and lemons.
For the past few months, I’ve caught whiffs of the tantalizing scent around town. Just a hint, a tease of a delicious combo that had me wanting to hunt down the source. A handful of times, I gave in, only to find the trail ended at a parking space or the closed library.
Now the second makes sense.
Juliet Adair, decadent scent temptress, is the new librarian. The sight of her is just as addictive as her smell.
Or so my wolf insists.
But I pride myself on keeping my beast on a short leash and my wits about me. That’s a requirement as leader of the Pine Falls pack. I can’t be chasing after pretty girls because theysmell like a thick slice of lemon loaf, wrapped in sugar-saturated paper.
My sweet tooth will not rule me either.
I asked my abrupt question to remind my wolf and myself that this woman is an outsider. She’ll be leaving soon, and all I need to know is when.
At the widening of her eyes and huff that’s almost—but not quite—a laugh, I can tell I offended her. Better that way.
“Wow. Don’t even want to learn my name before you’re pushing me out, huh?”
When she first approached me, the small woman had a nervous air to her. Like a cornered rabbit.
Now she stands straight and glares with a sting in her eyes.
