Torn Between Two Alphas: Howls Romance

by Marianne Morea

  Mikki shook her head, eyeing the tall, dark and deadly good-looking man as he approached. “No,” she replied, taking in his scent, “but definitely a member of the same club. For sure.”

  The guy walked toward the register, but before either woman could say a word, he glanced toward Mikki on the ladder. “I’m looking for the owner.”

  “That would be me,” she replied from her vantage point. “What can I do you for?”

  The guy raised an eyebrow, cocking his head the same way Nick had the day before as insinuation swirled in the air as it had at the zoo. Was she really that desperate or just inept as a flirt?

  She ignored the awkward heat in her cheeks and dropped her professional shop-owner’s mask into place, but her cordial smile faded when she spotted the envelope in his hand with the new landlord’s logo.

  Mikki spared a glance for Carmela before stepping down from the center rung on the ladder. Her stomach clenched at what the letter might say, and she lost her footing.

  “Mikki!” Carmela dropped everything, but before she could move, envelope guy bolted around the counter, catching Mikki before she hit the floor.

  Mikki’s breath left her chest in an unflattering rush, and it took a moment for her brain to unscramble.

  “Holy shit!” Carmela hurried to the guy’s side as he cradled her friend.

  Embarrassed, Mikki gave her friend a quick smile. “I’m fine, Mel. Clumsy as usual, but otherwise okay.”

  “I’ll grab a bottle of water from the stockroom fridge.” Sparing a glance for envelope guy still holding her friend, she gestured toward the armchairs at the back of the shop. “Can you help her to one of the chairs in the browsing area?”

  “Mel, stop. I slipped, that’s all. I’m fine.” Mikki squirmed a bit with the stranger’s arms still under her back and butt. “I appreciate your Superman speed, but I think you can put me down now.”

  In that moment they were practically nose-to-nose. “Right.” He nodded, adjusting his hold so she slid safely to the floor. “Glad I was here to help.”

  Mikki’s feet hit the floor, but not before she registered every hard plane of the man’s chest. He was rock solid, and he’d held her like she weighed no more than a feather.

  She swallowed at the sheer maleness of him, and the way his clean, masculine scent filled her nose at this proximity. Arguing with herself, she squelched the stir in her nether regions.

  Gushing about Nick, and now licking your lips over this guy. Fickle much?

  I am not licking my lips.

  No?

  “Fine or not, you need to go sit,” Carmela ordered. “I’ll be just a minute.” She turned to leave but spotted the landlord’s letter on the ground where it fell.

  Bending to hand it back, he took it from her with a quick nod. “Thanks. I almost forgot why I dropped by today.”

  “In that case, maybe you two should talk. I’ll see what needs to be done in the back,” Carmela replied, shooting Mikki a look. “I’m a shout away if you need me, boss.”

  “Relax, Mel. It’s not like he’s a process server.” Mikki whirled at that moment to look at the guy. “You’re not, are you?”

  He chuckled, shaking his head. “No, I’m not, and you’re right, there’s no need for worry. I do need to speak with you, though.” He held out his hand. “I’m Eli. I moved to the neighborhood not too long ago.”

  “Just moved in, eh,” Carmela called over her shoulder as she headed toward the stockroom. “Seems real estate is selling like hotcakes around here. Better watch out your place doesn’t sell out from under you, too.”

  Mel disappeared into the back and Eli looked at Mikki, curious. “Sell out from under you?”

  She gestured to the letter in his hand. “That envelope has the landlord’s new management company logo. He’s forcing us to move.” She shrugged. “It’s a no win situation, so I doubt we’ll be here long enough to get to know you.”

  “No win?” he repeated, following her toward the comfy chairs at the back of the shop. “Why would you say that?”

  A cozy hearth sat against the back wall, and a low fire burned in the grate. Mikki took a seat beside the small fireplace, gesturing for Eli to do the same.

  “A working fireplace is almost unheard of in the city, but this building is pre-war, like most of the buildings in this part of the Manhattan. The neighborhood has a lot of character. Little touches here and there you don’t see in new construction. It was Mel’s idea to set up the armchairs for the locals to come in and read.”

  Eli took the chair beside her. “You didn’t answer my question,” he prompted. “Why no win? Have you tried petitioning the new landlord?”

  Carmela walked toward them carrying a tray with a small pot of coffee, two mugs, cream and sugar, and a plate of leftover donuts.

  “A coffeepot?” Mikki asked.

  She nodded. “From my little nest in the back. I figured you’d want refreshments, and if I ran out to Starbucks, we might get a rush of customers interrupting your chat.”

  “Yeah, because we’re so swamped today,” Mikki replied with a chuckle “I appreciate the thought, Mel. Thanks.”

  Carmela put the tray on top of row of magazines on the low center table, and then walked back to the register without a word.

  Mikki smirked to herself. When it came to the art of eavesdropping, Mel was a pro. She’d hear every word even from across the room, for sure.

  Eli stared at her while she poured coffee into both mugs. “Have I grown horns or something?” she asked with a chuckle as she held up the cream and sugar for him to choose.

  “Just cream, thanks, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. It’s just you look so familiar. Have we met before?” he asked.

  Mikki laughed, pouring a drop of cream into his coffee. “Now that’s a pickup line with a little dust on it.”

  “Well, you did fall right into my arms,” he winked, picking up a donut. Taking a bite, he chewed with a considered look on his face as if studying her.

  “I promise we’ve never met before, so you can stop with the scrutiny. You’re giving me the creeps.”

  It was a lie, of course. His steady gaze made her pulse spike, and she watched his mouth as he chewed. Bet his lips tasted better than any donut.

  Not that she expected Eli to kiss her. She smiled to herself. Not that she would say no if he tried.

  Again, with the fantasizing.

  I’m musing. Not fantasizing.

  Humph.

  Hey, I’ve had a dry spell to rival the Mohave when it comes to sex. What’s wrong with a little harmless flirting?

  No such thing when it comes to shifters.

  Shut up.

  She stifled the mental sparring. For once in her life she wasn’t afraid to tap into her inner cat. Nick had unleashed more than just primal attraction. He made her unafraid. Unafraid to experiment with an inner cat that purred to the max when turned on. How far would that inner cat go? There was only one way to find out.

  So now you’re a shifter slut?

  I’m not listening…

  Clearly.

  “So, what made you move into the neighborhood when it’s changing so?” she asked, redirecting her own head. “If developers have their way, there won’t be anything left of the eclectic, vibrant culture that makes this part of New York so unique.”

  He shrugged, polishing off the last of his donut. “Why not move here? Like I said before, I know your new landlord. He’s not as unreasonable as you might think.”

  “Then why was I told we have thirty days to vacate?” she countered.

  Eli blinked. “Who told you that?”

  “The new landlord’s smarmy management guy. He told me point blank to cough up three times the rent or pack up my pelmenchki and get out.”

  “Pack up your pelmenchki? Never heard that saying before.”

  She shrugged, reaching for a donut. “It’s a line from the movie Barefoot in the Park.” “I have a thing for classic films—anyway, I argued th
e case as best I could. I told the management dude this was a community, a true neighborhood, with the stress on the word neighbor. He didn’t care. It was all dollars and cents to him.”

  Eli looked at her, considering. “This management guy must have misunderstood or else he’s freelancing for himself. I’m sure if the landlord knew about his threats and disrespect, trust me, the dude would be out on his ass. I know for a fact your landlord is ready to outbid anyone who wants to buy in this neighborhood and strip its essence.”

  He picked up a napkin from the tray and wiped his mouth. “He’s a businessman, so of course he’s interested in this an investment, but like you said, this neighborhood has character. I’m positive once he sees that, he’ll work with you and any other tenants to keep that eclectic flavor.”

  Mikki angled her head as she ate her powdered donut. “You talk like this guy’s your best friend. How do you know he’ll be more advocate than adversary? Isn’t he looking for a return on his investment?”

  “There are many ways to look at R.O.I, and this guy has more money than he knows what to do with. Still, he’s a nice guy. Kind of like me.” Eli grinned, picking up a second napkin.

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes, and since I’m such a nice guy, how about you let me take you to lunch? You could show me around this eclectic neighborhood of ours. We could walk to the park. Maybe even tell me more about your classic movie. Only I’m not walking barefoot anywhere. It’s twelve degrees outside” He tapped the side of his mouth and then held the napkin out to her.

  Mikki froze. She’d held a mildly passive aggressive conversation with this man with powdered sugar all over her mouth. Ugh. Seriously? Glancing down, she cringed inwardly at the dusting on her blouse as well.

  Chin up, she wiped her mouth and then her blouse before folding the rest of her donut in the napkin. “Funny, that’s what Robert Redford said in the movie, or something to that effect.”

  “C’mon.” Eli crumpled his own napkin and placed it with his untouched coffee before pushing himself from his chair. He held out his hand, taking her napkin and putting it on the tray as well.

  “I’ve always wanted to try a New York hot dog from one of those curbside carts. You game?”

  She blinked at him for a moment. “You do know they’re called dirty water dogs, and for a very good reason.”

  “Even better.” His hand stayed out, prompting her to get up from her chair.

  “Okay, but if you get ptomaine poisoning, don’t cry to me when you’re hugging the porcelain.” Mikki got up but hesitated a moment. “You never said why you stopped by. Does it have something to do with that envelope you stuck in your jacket pocket?”

  Eli shrugged. “Not anymore.” His eyes met hers and held. “The landlord is going to change his mind about this building and this neighborhood. Wait and see.” He flashed an eager grin and rubbed his hands together. “And I think I want to add a large, soft pretzel with yellow mustard to my bucket list, so hurry up and grab your coat.”

  Damn, when it rained it poured. Two hotties in two days, each wanting to spend time with her. What were the fates playing at?

  Looks like you’re game to find out.

  Sure, why not…

  Now where have I heard that before?

  Shut up.

  Chapter Seven

  Nick swiveled his chair to stare out his office windows facing Fifth Avenue. Lunchtime along the bustling street was thick with people enjoying the bright, cold day.

  Twenty-four hours.

  That’s how long it had been since he ran into Mikki at the penguin exhibit. Twenty-four hours of her smile and her scent occupying his mind to near distraction.

  His laptop browser blinked with unopened emails, and files were stacked on his desk yet to be reviewed. Leaning back in his chair, he played with the top of his ballpoint pen.

  Marcus had called him twice, but he let both calls go to voicemail. Jillian had texted him only once since he arrived at the office. Thank God for small favors. Unfortunately, it doubtless meant she’d show up unannounced at some point today.

  Last evening, she expected him at the Oak Room at seven p.m. Every fiber wanted to cancel their appointment at the iconic Plaza Hotel, but it wasn’t worth the headache.

  He went, promising himself an escape after one drink, but he’d barely touched his Jameson’s when Jillian started in about their upcoming trip. Costa Rica was not going to happen. Not when every waking and dreaming moment was consumed by thoughts of another woman.

  He puffed out a breath as the last few minutes with Mikki replayed in his head. The zoo closed at dusk, so the two walked together toward the exit. She didn’t say much, though she was nothing short of effervescent while watching the snow leopards chuff and pace as if they recognized her inner cat.

  It was obvious Mikki loved every second with the big cats. He laughed, joking she’d climb the wall to play with them in a New York minute. Her smile dazzled him. Not one drop of pretense or insincerity corrupted her scent. She was pure joy.

  The sun set as they walked through the zoo’s exit, standing in awkward silence as he hailed her cab. There wasn’t anything left to say. She had his cell number and Marcus’s office line. The ball was in her court.

  Nick kissed her once more as her taxi idled at the curb. His lips lingered on hers, drinking in her scent. She drew back from him and got into the taxi, giving him a quick wave before closing the door.

  As the taxi pulled into the wet street, his inner wolf whined. The disappointed sound resonated in his chest as he exhaled the strange sense of regret.

  Putting his hand out, he hailed a cab for himself, his eyes following the blur of her cab’s taillights heading downtown.

  Mikki was a breath of fresh air. For the first time in years, that familiar cloying, claustrophobic feeling didn’t crash over him as they talked. He laughed. He was interested in what she had to say. One word described the feeling he had with her. Effortless.

  Jillian was the total opposite. From the beginning, time spent with her was work, and the thought of it being so for the rest of his life left him hollow. The only savings grace was he could marry Jillian and make her his mate without claiming her. Jillian would not carry his mark. She was human, so claiming her or not was a choice rather than the necessity linked with a dual-natured mate.

  His inner wolf whined again. Mikki’s scent and the way she tasted had him itching to push her to all fours right there with the leopards. To drive his cock and balls deep into her soft folds. To feel his canines penetrate her tender flesh, claiming her.

  His.

  A whispered echo replied, but the imprinted sensation felt fractured.

  Well, what did he expect? That’s what happened when you weren’t completely honest with yourself or anyone else for so long. Or at least that’s what he assumed.

  He’d heard tell of shifters knowing the moment they met their true mates, but he never gave the stories much credence. That his touch stirred Mikki’s inner animal spoke volumes as well, so maybe the stories were true. Was Mikki the one? He would sure as hell find out.

  Swiveling his chair to face his desk, Nick picked up his phone and dialed Marcus’s cell. The phone rang only once before the lawyer picked up.

  “Nick. Everything okay?” Marcus’s voice asked, immediately concerned.

  “Everything’s fine. Are you in town yet?”

  The attorney chuckled on the other end of the phone. “Aw, do you miss me, Nicky boy?”

  “Marcus—”

  The lawyer chuckled. “I’m still in London. In fact, I was heading out to dinner.”

  “Sorry. I forgot about the time difference,” Nick replied. “Go ahead, then. I won’t keep you.”

  “You called for a reason, Nicky. If it was to ask me about the prenuptial agreement for Jillian, I’m almost done. I’m tweaking the legalese so it’s completely uncontestable.” Marcus paused, waiting for Nick to reply. “Nicky? You still there?”

  “I’m here.
” Nicolas paused. “Look, about that prenup. Hold off for now, okay?”

  “Nick—” Marcus hesitated, his tone immediately apprehensive. “Please tell me you didn’t marry that mercenary bimbo.”

  A grin spread across Nick’s face at the man’s quiet panic. “No, counselor. I didn’t marry Jillian. Jeez, give me a little credit. I’m not that stupid.”

  “I don’t think you’re stupid, Nicky.” Marcus exhaled. “Desperate, yes. Stupid, no.”

  Laughing, Nick swiveled his chair toward the window again. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

  “C’mon, you know what I mean. If you didn’t already marry the greedy girl, then why are you putting the brakes on? I thought we agreed to a prenup with Jillian as Plan B if things didn’t work out with the York girl.”

  Nick grinned. “Let’s just say Jillian has been demoted to plan C. I met someone.”

  “Who?” Marcus paused. “Or don’t I want to know?”

  “Stop that. This one’s a nice girl. Genuinely sweet and funny. Plus, she’s a shifter. Her name is Mikki.”

  Marcus chuckled. “Like the mouse?”

  “Yep. Cute, right?” Nick grinned. “In fact, she’s beautiful inside and out.”

  “That’s quite an assessment for someone you just met,” Marcus countered. “You sure it’s not just your dick talking?”

  Nick leaned his head back to watch a fluffy cloud drift across the clear skyline. “C’mon, Marcus. I’m serious. She’s something. My wolf went crazy for her. Whining and pacing like a caged animal. It’s got to mean something, right?”

  “I’m relieved, actually.” The lawyer paused again. “Crafting that prenuptial agreement for Jillian left a bad taste in my mouth. I literally pictured you shackled and miserable.”

  Nicolas snorted. “You’re not the only one imagining those chains. This whole business tastes foul, but if my wolf is right, at least I stand a chance at happiness with this girl. I need time to feel out the situation, though. I know she felt a connection, but it freaked her a little. Not to mention I had to field a call from Jillian in the middle of things.”

  “I swear that woman has you surveilled. It wouldn’t surprise me if Jillian had you chipped in your sleep. Feel out this situation with the girl you met as best you can, but for God’s sake, get on with it. You don’t have much time.”