Page 3 of Saved By the Wolf
“Thanks,” I said, conscious I was still gawking and trying not to.
They left us standing in the hallway as they retreated into their units. Miti didn’t seem fazed by their appearance. She turned and continued walking, expecting us to follow. We did, and I tried my best to ignore the odd look Becca was giving me.
“Here we are, Unit 423,” Miti announced in front of one of the doors.
She rattled the key in the lock before it clicked, but the door opened without a sound into a brightly lit room with a view to die for. I instantly gravitated to the ceiling-to-floor window that overlooked the forest as far as the eye could see. I drew in a breath that I hadn’t realized I was holding. I had missed being surrounded by all these trees. My childhood memories were filled with fun times in the woods spent jumping creeks, swinging on ropes, and swimming in the lake. If my parents were still alive, they would have loved this view.
“The view is something else,” Becca said, repeating what was in my mind. “I took a look at the kitchen and bathroom, and everything looks to be spotless and in working order.”
“I like it here,” I whispered.
“Especially with the hunks down the hallway.”
“Yeah . . .” I said without thinking. Then I shot her a look. “Don’t take it that means I’m moving on. I’m off guys for the moment. It’s time to focus on myself for a while.”
“It’s okay to still look, though,” Becca said with a knowing look. “You were clearly taken in by Luc.” She nudged my shoulder, and I could feel a blush forming on my cheeks.
“Quiet,” I hissed. “Miti is here.”
Becca shrugged. “I have a feeling she’s not fazed by anything.”
“Well, I’d like to at least pretend to keep these thoughts to ourselves.”
“As you wish,” Becca said, smiling. “But I do think this is the place for you. You look happy, and as you said before, you can afford this place and be able to save up for your new life.”
“Yes, I agree.” I turned back to Miti, who had just walked up behind us. “I’ll take it. This is exactly what I’m looking for.”
Her face broke out in a smile. “Great! I think you’ll like it here. Just remember to get a set of earplugs.”
Luc
“Why that apartment!”I threw a plate across the room, satisfied at the sound of it shattering against the wall. The aroma of baked lasagna was wafting from the oven, and I knew Miti had put it in there knowing we’d be home while this new girl was being shown the apartment. Miti knew me too well, especially how to calm the wolf. After all, she was a wolf herself, even if she hardly shifted these days.
“Boss, your blood pressure! Remember what the doctor said,” Damon cautioned.
“Screw my doctor! Again, whythatapartment?” I put my head in my hands and let it drop to the counter. If I didn’t know how much my grandmother loved me, I’d think she was spying on me for my father. But I knew I was in safe hands with Miti, even if she was meddlesome. “Curse Brandon to the three moons! He knew Miti wouldn’t be able to resist helping her.”
“Miti has a mind of her own. She doesn’t need persuasion,” Damon said.
“It wasn’t persuasion,” I growled. “The girl reeked of fear. She’s running from something, and Miti can’t say no to that. She has to save every lost soul that comes her way.”
“But that’s what we love about her,” Brent said, pulling out dishes in preparation for the lasagna.
I slammed my hand on the counter in frustration. “She knew I didn’t want anyone living in that unit for a long while, especially a girl.”
“Who’s sexy too,” Damon added, giving Brent a high five.
Jealousy shot through me. It came so suddenly that it took me by surprise.
“Boss, if you aren’t interested in the new girl, can we have some fun with her?” Damon then asked.
This time my response shocked me. “No!” I growled. “You are never to go near her! Do you hear me? No one is to touch her.”
They both retreated. “Of course, boss,” Damon murmured, head bowed.
“Just don’t bother her,” I said in a more even tone. Anger management was not my strong suit. I’d been seeing a therapist, but only because Miti set it up and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
They both busied themselves in the kitchen, saved by the ding of the timer denoting the lasagna was done. But I wasn’t hungry. “I need to go out for a bit. Don’t eat all the lasagna.”