“Don’t.”
“Don’t what?” The man’s green eyes—bloodshot now—narrowed. “Ms. Denair, I’m not sure what you’re playing at, but I didn’t come here to be attacked by a mythical creature I don’t even truly believe exists. If you were trying to scare me away, good on you. But now it seems like you want me to stick around, and I can’t understand why.”
Farren snorted. “Wantya’ to stick around? No. But ya’ have information I need, Escobar, and I don’t give up easily. As for the ‘mythical creature’ shite, finish up those eggs and meet me back at my office. I’ll prove to ya’ werewolves are very much real.”
Shoving back from the table, she turned on a heel and marched out of Doolin House, hoping she’d given him just enough to be curious about.
When she cast a brief glance back over her shoulder, her lips curved into a smile. Eli was handing his credit card to the server while staring back at her.
Just wait, ya’ pompous arse. I’ll have ya’ eatin’ those words of yers soon enough.
* * *
Eli
He couldn’t get out of the pub fast enough. Not that he knew why he was rushing. The PI’s office was all of two blocks away, and he could still see her—and the way her shapely arse moved in tight leather pants. She was a study in opposites. Confident, yet when she’d admitted she needed information from him, a hint of vulnerability had seeped into her tone. Even more interesting, it had appeared to piss her off.
The silver wolf—her shoulder-length hair at least matched the nickname—slammed her office door with him only four steps away.
“Listen, Ms. Denair,” he said, his voice rough as he yanked on the heavy brass handle, prepared to let her know exactly what he thought of her attitude. Until his brain caught up with his eyes and he realized she was standing in the center of her office, naked as the day she was born. Her clothes lay in a pile next to her, boots tossed haphazardly in front of her desk.
“You wanted proof? Close the feckin’ door.”
“I...you’re...” His cheeks flamed red hot and once he’d done as she’d ordered, he wasn’t sure if he should turn back around.
“Ya’ can watch. If ye’re brave enough. And ya’ should know...if ya’ try to run, my wolf can open that door. Shewillcatch ya’.”
Swallowing hard, he spun around, certain he was about to regret every single thing he’d done since rescuing that surfer.
Eli kept his gaze locked on Farren’s eyes. Or tried to. But fuck. She was beautiful. Creamy skin, long legs, the right amount of curves.
And then she dropped to her hands and knees and let out a groan. Her skin started to ripple. Like something inside her was desperate to escape.
His mouth went dry, and he stopped breathing when the distinct sound of breaking bones started. Thoughts short-circuited even as they pinged around in his head like lasers bouncing off mirrors.
All that gorgeous silvery white hair disappeared, and her face changed. Her nose lengthened, the tip turning black. Her delicate fingers popped and cracked and changed into paws.
Fur sprouted all over her body, and shite on a stick. She had a tail.
His legs gave out, and he hit the ground with an audibleoof,still unable to look away as a massive, proud, and fucking magnificent animal sat up panting.
If he’d been able to move, he’d have run, despite her warning, but his body refused to listen to his brain, so he sat stock still when the animal padded over to him.
She—for once he looked into her gray eyes, there was no doubt in his mind this wolfwasFarren Denair—nosed his shoulder and made a questioning sound. Not exactly a bark or a growl, but there was a hint of a threat in the tone.
“I believe you.” He had to force the words out, and the urge to touch her, to stroke her fur, was almost overwhelming.
Farren sat and nodded, then yipped softly and nudged his hand.
“It’s all right if I...?”
Another nod.
“Fuck me.” The wolf was soft. Softer than he thought the woman could ever be. She almost preened when he ran his fingers over the top of her head, but as he reached her side and felt the raised contours of what he thought might be scars, she growled low in her throat, backed away quickly, and dropped down to her belly.
The shift was as horrifying and mesmerizing as before, but at least this time, he forced himself to avert his eyes once she lay naked on the carpet.
“I’m decent,” she said a few moments later, and held out her hand in front of his face.
