Page 227 of Secret Shifters Next Door

“Yup,” Steff said. “Remember how me and Tate got? We were almost feral by the end.”

I did remember. They’d both been short-tempered, exhausted, pissy, and all around pains in the ass. I didn’t want that for myself or for them to deal with. I also didn’t want to snap at Celina if it started getting bad. Something like that might hurt her more than it would others. She was stronger than she gave herself credit for, but in some ways, she was still fragile, and I didn’t want to hurt her.

“I’ll talk to her tonight,” I said as I struggled to my feet.

An hour later, I got to our place and waved to the bodyguard in the parking lot, signaling that he could go off duty. I climbed the stairs, then knocked on Celina’s door. After a few seconds, she opened the door, and my wolf was ready to pounce at the sight of her. A carnal need enveloped me, and an almost audible growl rumbled at the back of my throat. My body was crying out to sink my flesh into hers, to bite and claim her while she writhed beneath me, screaming in ecstasy.

“Miles? Are you okay?”

My head jerked back as I snapped out of my mini-fantasy. “Huh? Yeah, I’m good. Sorry,” I said, pushing my wolf back down and plastering a smile on my face.

“Okay, you were…I guess you looked a little out of it.”

“A little tired, I guess. And hungry.” I stepped forward and kissed her. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah. I’m famished.”

I took her to the town’s steakhouse. On the way, she told me about some new ideas she had for books. They were crazy cool ideas. Everything from time traveling, to dream worlds andqueens who moonlit as bounty hunters. I didn’t have half the imagination she had.

As we walked into the restaurant, I asked, “Have you always had such a vivid imagination?”

“Pretty much. I think I always wanted to create a world that was more interesting than the one I lived in. Once, I’d fully convinced myself that one of my foster dads was a vampire because he slept all day and was up all night. In reality, he was just a drunk.” Celina’s eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped open. He clutched my sleeve and tugged. “Wait. Are vampires real? Like, seriously, are they?”

The host led us to our table, before handing us the menus. Once they were gone, I touched Celina’s hand. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that. As a kid, I mean. I hate that’s how you had to grow up. And, as far as I know, no, vampires aren’t real.” It was all I could do to say it without smiling. “Shifters? Witches? Yeah. Vampires, Bigfoot, or aliens? Your guess is as good as mine.”

“Well, that’s one thing I don’t need to worry about.” She shrugged. “As for my childhood? I honestly don’t regret it. Without all that, I wouldn’t be the person I am now. People think I’m odd, but I’m a good person, and that’s what matters, not what other people think. Being kind is more important than being seen as what society thinks is normal.”

I laced my fingers through hers and looked at her like the amazing, unbelievable person she was. The look on my face must have said a lot, because I saw that familiar blush start to creep across her cheeks as I studied her.

“I’m glad you’re who you are. You are perfect for me. You are exactly the person you were meant to be, and that person is beautiful and amazing.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled with a smile.

I meant everything I said. Every minute I spent with her made me feel more humble about my own life. I’d thought I’d had a rough life, but it was nothing compared to what she’d experienced. I wanted to give her everything she’d never had. I wanted to give her the world.

We ordered our food and a thought occurred to me. I’d been so sure I’d never fall in love again after Liz that I’d tried to shut out any woman who tried to get close to me. After these last few weeks, I knew I’d been wrong. I was falling in love again. My heart was right there, ready for Celina to grab and hold on to forever.

TWENTY-THREE

CELINA

The bodyguard Miles had assigned to me parked beside my car at the thrift store. I waved at him, and he responded with a subdued nod. Miles had a well-trained team, but they really could use a little personality. This place had been on my list to visit for several days. My brain couldn’t stop working. Not only did I have so many ideas for stories to write, but I had plans for some craft projects and décor for my apartment.

When my phone rang, I took it out of my pocket and glanced at the screen. Tiffany. I’d sent her five more chapters the night before. I was sure she wanted to talk about them. Hopefully, she liked them, since I thought they were pretty good.

“Celina?” Tiffany’s voice sounded exuberant.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Oh. My. God! Girl, this book is so good. It might be the best thing you’ve ever written.”

“Seriously? You think it’s that good?”

“I do. I’m going to start sending out samples to the big publishers. I think we might get into a bidding war. I may even float a few back channels about selling the film or TV rights. Absolutely outstanding, Celina.”

“Wow, thanks. I felt good about it, but this makes me feel even better. Like I’m on the right track with this book.”

“Honey, you are more than on the right track, you own the whole damned road. Honestly, Celina, I was a little leery of you going to some one-horse town in the middle of nowhere to relax. I was wrong. This might have been the best thing for you.”

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