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“Thanks for letting me stay here,” she says as she sets her things down on the bed.
She looks almost shy now that we’re here, just the two of us.
“Of course. Make yourself at home. There’s a bathroom across the hall and my room is right next door if you need anything.”
She nods, taking a step closer to me. The rug bunches under her feet and she gasps as she tips forward. I reach for her, pulling her against me instinctively.
She feels so perfect in my arms, her lush body pressed against mine. My wolf is rolling around inside of me, taking deep breaths of her sweet scent.
I look down into her deep brown eyes and when I see the look in them, I swallow hard. She’s staring at me like she wants me to kiss her. Part of me,mostof me wants to… but I can’t.
I can’t have her… right? There was a reason why I couldn’t have her.
I can’t think about any of my reasons right now. All I can think about is her. My head bows toward her and I feel her warm breath as it fans across my mouth.
The curse. Don’t let it get her.
That thought has me jerking away from her and stepping back.
She frowns, looking hurt but resigned as I clear my throat.
“You’re so confusing,” she whispers and I blink. “Sometimes I think… It’s silly, but sometimes I think you like me. I mean, one minute you’re kind and helping me, but then the next…” She trails off and I swallow hard.
I want to claim her. I want to explain all of this, to tell her about the curse and shifters and all of it, but I can’t. I can’t be the reason that she gets hurt or even worse, dies.
So, I take a step back and force myself to meet her eyes.
“Good night, Eden,” I whisper before I turn and walk away.
CHAPTER SEVEN
EDEN
“Thanks again for the hot chocolate, Mrs. Taylor,” I call out as Phoenix and I head out of the bookstore. My bestie just got done with her shift, and her boss, Mrs. Taylor, sent us off with a special sugary treat.
“Sorry we haven’t had a lot of time to hang out since you got to town,” Phoenix says as we walk toward her home with Griffin.
“I’m just happy we’re finding time now,” I tell her with a smile. “I know you’ve been busy with Griffin and the bookstore. You still need to tell me all about how you two met. If it were anyone else, I’d tell you to slow down and be careful, but–”
“Griffin would never hurt me. He’s so attentive and thoughtful and protective,” Phoenix interrupts.
“I know, I know,” I agree. “He’s like… disgustingly perfect for you, and if you weren’t my absolute best friend, I’d be jealous,” I tease. Phoenix bumps into me with her hip playfully, and I bump her right back. “Still, as your bestie, I have to ask. Do you feel totally safe and comfortable around Griffin?”
Phoenix stops just short of the cabin where she and Griffin live. “I really do.”
I believe her. “And you love him and feel like you can be your true self around him?”
My bestie takes my hand in hers, squeezing it lightly. “I do. And I’ll tell you how I’m so sure once we get inside.”
I furrow my brow at her, but Phoenix just gives me her signature grin and pulls me up the porch stairs and inside her home. We plop down on the couch and Phoenix turns to face me, her eyes brimming with something she’s been trying to keep a secret. I can tell. I may not have lived near my best friend for several years, but I know when she’s been keeping something from me and is about to explode.
“Have you heard of shifters?” Phoenix blurts out.
“Shifters?”
“There are all kinds of shifters, but around here it’s mostly wolves, bears, woodland creatures, stuff like that.”
I blink at my friend, then look at the cup of hot chocolate in her hand. “Did Mrs. Taylor spike your drink?” I ask.
