Page 10 of Only Human in Strangeville

I finally managed to take a full breath.

“He was totally flirting with you,” Bridger said, a hint of jealousy in his voice. “Also, I’m pretty sure he’s a vampire. He owns this place and they’re all vampires. Maybe don’t flirt back?”

I raised my eyebrows, glanced around the coffee shop, then back at Bridger. Maybe the other occupants were more studiously ignoring us than they had been before, maybe it was just my imagination after a long night, but right now I didn’t care.

“Sure, whatever, Bridger.” I let my head fall back on the couch and dug my fingers into the little dog’s fluff. I supposed I could move into the coffee shop if Oliver said I couldn’t keep the dog, but I’d cross that bridge when I got to it. Either later tonight when I returned home, or tomorrow as soon as I could track my landlord down.

My heart sped a little, and not necessarily in anticipation. I really liked the feel of my new home, and my landlord, to be honest. I didn’t want to move again so soon. The little puppy stood, stretched with an adorable rumbling growl, and settled back into my lap.

Yeah, somehow, I had to talk Oliver into letting him stay. Or talk him into breaking my lease so I could find a new place to live. I’d choose the puppy over being able to see Oliver, but the thought of not seeing him again was weirdly uncomfortable. I’d never experience the scent of cinnamon the same way again, especially if I had to move.

Beechworth was starting to win my heart—Bridger’s insistence about vampires and werewolves aside—but this tiny, floofy creature had already claimed my soul.

I startled awake, surprised to find a pair of soft brown eyes staring into mine. The little puppy poked me again, gently on the nose with his own snoot, then, seeing me awake, gave me a soft kiss before toddling toward the edge of the bed and whining.

Groaning, I grabbed my glasses and stared at the puppy, wondering what he wanted. He whined again, and my bladder reminded me that it was full. Oh!

“Hang on a second, little guy.” I scrambled out of bed, threw on some clothes and gathered the squirming ball of fluff into my arms.

I didn’t run into anyone on my way out, fortunately, and I put the puppy in grass still glistening with morning dew. He quickly squatted to pee, and I could practically feel his relief. I walked him a bit longer, cleaned up after him, and we headed back to the building.

Maybe I’d get lucky and get a chance to actually brush my hair and put on fresh clothing before I ran into Oliver. I still hadn’t met any of the other tenants. He said it was normal. I thought it was weird as hell. Maybe I should start knocking on doors and bringing over tasty cookies or something.

The puppy stopped, yelped, and darted backward, just as a large creature slunk into my path. I scrambled back, reaching down and scooping up the puppy. The creature looked vaguely doglike, but it clearly wasn’t actually a dog. It looked like a shadow had detached itself from the wall and taken the shape of a large, lean dog, except it had six legs. It stalked toward me in the early morning gloom. A faint scent of baked goods wafted over from the coffee shop, strong enough for me to notice, despite my fear. They must have been making cinnamon rolls. The cheerful scent contrasted sharply with my fear.

“Oh god,” I whispered, backing farther.

The puppy trembled in my arms but didn’t try to get away.

The creature blurred into shadow, swirled around me, and solidified on the other side. I was trapped between the creature and the building.

My heart raced and my hands trembled. There was no way this thing was real, except the puppy was reacting, too. I moved until my back hit the door. Mentally apologizing for any discomfort I might cause the little dog in my arms, I shifted him to a one handed grip and reached behind me.

The knob turned, and I almost fell into the entryway, but I slammed the door behind me.

“Oh my god,” I breathed and quickly punched my code to get the rest of the way into the building.

“Good morning, Hannah.”

I screamed and spun around.

I had no idea how Oliver had snuck up on me, but he stood in the hallway, studying me and the puppy in my arms. The scent of cinnamon that always seemed to accompany him strengthened. I had an insane urge to run my fingers along his jawline beard while I stared deeply into his blue-gray eyes. Then the current situation came crashing back and my stomach tightened in worry instead of misplaced desire.

My puppy squirmed, and I set him down next to me. He went to his belly and crawled toward Oliver, tail wagging.

“I didn’t know you had a little nimbus.” My landlord stared at the puppy for a moment with an unreadable expression before kneeling and holding out his hand.

“Uh, so, I didn’t. I found him last night tied to a light pole. There was this creepy guy threatening me, and Bridger came by and helped drive him off. Then we took him to the vet, and, uh, well, he came home with me. I don’t know what the pet policy is here.” I ran my hand through my hair and realized I hadn’t brushed it yet. Great. I looked a mess, and I was babbling like an idiot.

Oliver’s hand hovered over the puppy for a moment before he touched the fluffy thing. His expression softened and a hint of a smile curled his lips.

“We don’t openly allow pets,” he said.

My heart sank. Damn it.

“But this little nimbus is promising to behave as well as he can. He is quite charming.” Oliver gave him one last pat then stood.

“You can stay.” It was as if he were talking to the puppy. Oliver turned his attention to me. “I will inform the other residents that they are not to take exception to his presence.”

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