Page 88 of Howling
Shifters don’t see nakedness the same way as humans. Witches and wizards are more reserved, seeing the shifters as more primitive for their lack of modesty. Even the fae are more restrained, drowning in formality. They might not clutch their pearls like the magical community, but they see our nudity and lack of decorum as lesser.
Most species ignore nudity, but fuck that.
I don’t think I even blink until someone clears their throat. It’s only when I turn away that Tyler finally shifts. Heat burns my cheeks, but it has nothing to do with embarrassment.
I enjoyed the sight too much to be self-conscious.
It’s only when I glance up that I become aware of the audience, and I glare at the few girls who didn’t turn away.
Mine.
The possessiveness is enough to shake me out of my trance. Mortified by the stray thought, I clear my throat and quickly look away. A moment later, the fox bounds toward me and pawsat my leg until I glance down. A cute fox face peers up at me, his nose twitching adorably, and he smiles with sharp little teeth that erase any lingering awkwardness.
Heart melting, I can’t resist the urge to touch his furry little ears. “Be careful. Watch after Dante and come back to me.”
His expression turns serious, and the little fox nods once before scampering across the room and disappearing out the door in a streak of red. Dante stares at me with an indecipherable expression, then the door clicks shut and blocks him from view.
It’s all I can do not to sprint across the shop, yank open the door, and demand they return. I’m not used to sending anyone off into danger.
I’m used to handling everything on my own, especially since leaving Kyperian, and I very much fear that I’m marching them to their deaths.
Sensing my unease, Garth presses his massive form against me, his weight nearly knocking me on my ass. I stumble, barely catching myself, but when I turn to glare at the mutt, he flashes me a cheeky grin that has too many teeth.
“Goober,” I chide him. His nose crinkles in a mock scowl, clearly not appreciating the name, then he sticks his nose in the air with a little sniff.
His antics are enough to pull me out of my funk.
“Is everyone else ready?” I glance around at the eight or so people remaining. They each nod, their expressions hardening, and the witch in charge comes to stand next to me.
“Wait for the signal,” the witch warns before heading toward the front of the shop. I hesitate a moment longer, wishing I could do more, and one of the younger witches shoots me a determined look.
“We’ll be fine.” She nods toward the entrance to the shop. “You gave us a chance when many of us had lost hope. It’s more than enough. Please worry about yourself and your mates now.”
She dips her head, a formal nod of respect, and I can only gape after her when she turns on her heel and joins the others gathered near the rear door.
Not used to being thanked, I head toward the front of the shop on stiff legs. Claws click on the floor, and I’m conscious of Garth following so closely that I swear I can feel his warm breath on the back of my neck.
I shiver at the reminder of his presence, relaxing slightly at knowing I’m not alone. I don’t normally have backup and do my best not to fidget when I can sense him staring at me so intently that I feel awkward in my own skin.
I angle my body until I have a clear view out the window. When I don’t see anyone walking past, I sit and wait. Most shifters can fall dormant as they wait for their prey. Their breathing lightens, their heart slows, and it’s like they fall into a trance.
I can sit for hours during a stakeout and not twitch once.
That’s impossible with Garth so close.
He makes me too aware of my own body.
Conscious of his attention, it’s all I can do not to squirm as my skin warms and my heartbeat thunders in my veins.
Is this what attraction feels like?
I’m not sure I like the sensation.
Sure, I’ve been drawn to the opposite sex, fucked a few men to rid myself of my virginity so it couldn’t be used against me or auctioned off. The way the guys make me feel is more potent than any sexual encounters from my past, and they’ve barely even touched me.
My reaction to them is more than a little unnerving. I’m so drawn to them, it’s like I can’t control my own fucking body.Before I can tear apart and obsess over every interaction with them, the scent of smoke fills the air, and a siren blares not a minute later.
I smirk, recognizing Tyler and Dante’s work without having to check. They both go for maximum chaos, and I admire them for it. People shout and run across the street…only to have men from the opposite direction running away.
