Sinful Instincts (Woodland Creek) Read Online Free PDF Page A

door apart. Before I have the chance to tell him he’s paying for that, my oh-so-nosy neighbor opens her door, curious of the commotion. I hear the gasp of the ninety-year-old woman as I turn to witness her gaping at me and my new stark-naked friend. He, on the other hand, is unfazed and just pushes the door open, instructing me to enter.
    “Hey there, Mrs. Peterson,” I greet her, trying to act nonchalant. She doesn’t reply, since it would take her lifting her jaw off the ground and blinking to do so. I wave at her like it’s just another typical Saturday evening and I'm coming home as always, late in the night with a naked guy in tow. “Have a great night, Mrs. Peterson!” I wave, but it’s not to her since I’m being pushed inside my place, the door shutting behind me.

Emma
    Entering my less-than-impressive apartment, I turn and take in my surroundings. We didn’t bring much with us when we came to Woodland Creek because I was promised we would buy everything we needed here. That was also before Scott decided to take off, leaving me with one couch, a bed that lies on the floor and maybe two clean towels. Everything else is in the apartment was donated by new friends I’ve made at work or purchased from garage sales. I watch as my naked guest surveys my killer place, looking on edge. He walks toward the hallway and opens all doors, investigating the layout. Geesh, nosy much, pal?
    “Um, the bathroom is the third door down if you, um, need to use it,” I offer. It’s hard to say much more since the remainder of my consciousness is fighting to keep my eyes up at face level. What I saw earlier may be forever burned into my memory.
    “This place is not very safe. You shouldn’t live here alone.”
    Well, thanks for the no duh , Sherlock. “Yeah, well, too late for that.”
    He turns to look at me, waiting for me to explain further. Of course I want to explain, but my words are lodged in my throat. Keep eye contact. Keep eye contact. “Listen, um, before we go any further here, I have some guy’s clothes that… well… won’t be close to fitting you at all, but I think you should maybe put some pants on. It’s getting a bit hard to have a normal conversation with you.”
    He looks at me, slowly looks down, and then up again. His hard facial features soften a bit, and what seems like a small smirk covers his face. “Why? Do I make you uncomfortable?” he asks, slowly prowling toward me.
    I, on the other hand, begin taking steps backwards. “N-n-no, why would you make me nervous?” He makes it into my personal space, and I'm pretty sure I’ve broken out into a sweat. If he would just put that huge thing away, I’m sure I would be able to get back to my senses. I need to divert this situation and fast. “Wh-what happened back there? What was that?”
    “A very out-of-control leopard shifter,” he replies, so nonchalant, as if we are talking about the weather.
    “Okay, great. A leopard shifter... Like, what is that?” Right, a shifter. And I’m Princess fucking Leia. I need more specifics here, pal.
    “He is a shape-shifter. He is able to walk the streets day or night as human, but he can also shift into his animal form, which you saw tonight is the leopard.”
    I just look at him, not catching on... like, at all. “So, he just turns into a cat? Like that ?” I use my fingers to indicate the ‘poof’ visual. He doesn’t even vocally respond, just slowly nods. “Okay, great. Well, you have been super helpful. Now, it’s confirmed that we’re both missing a few marbles.”
    “Is there anything else you would like to ask me, or can I have those pants you speak of?” His sex-dripping voice does nothing for my self-control as I practically sag into his words.
    “Pants… pants. Oh, pants . Yes. Get pants!” I shake off my insanity and step aside to walk toward my bedroom. I don’t need to look back to know he’s right behind me; his presence is almost suffocating. I enter my bare room and