Read A Dangerous Moon [Tales of the Werewolf Clan] for Free Online

on top of her head while little wisps of stray curls draped down her swanlike neck.
    Rick did his best not to stare, but she was even lovelier than he remembered.
    There was a sparkle of amusement in her eyes as she glanced down at the traveling bag in his hand. "Boy, you do travel light, don't you? Well, come on in." Allison stepped aside and Rick crossed the threshold into a cool, air-conditioned living room.
    "Wow, you've got a nice place here," he said, taking in every inch of the sunlit room. A large, comfortable sofa dominated one wall, with a generous flat screen plasma television centered across from it on the opposite side. Her diplomas and a few family photos decorated the room, as well as a few bookcases stacked with medical guides and gardening manuals, and a very large fish tank.
    Overall, the room radiated with a warm, welcoming energy.
    "Thanks! The place still needs a little work here and there, but I got a fair deal on it a couple of years ago," she replied, beaming with pride.
    "So, are these your pets?" Rick asked, walking over to the fish tank and watching the two goldfish swimming around in its watery depths.
    "Yeah, with my schedule, I prefer the low-maintenance kind." Allison shrugged. "Buffy and Angel are all I can handle."
    "Buffy and Angel, huh? I guess you're still a Joss Whedon fan, too." He turned and smiled over at her.
    "I sure am! He's my favorite writer and director!" she grinned, raising a hand. "I'm still a big geek. How about you?"
    "I am too." He winked. "I still watch my DVDs of Firefly and Dollhouse . Too bad both of the shows were cancelled."
    "Oh, you poor thing," Allison smirked. She placed a hand over her chest. "I feel your pain."
    "Say what?" He blinked. The smile slid from his face.
    "Not literally, of course." Allison explained with a chuckle. "I only mean that I understand how you feel about the cancellation of such awesome shows."
    "Oh, okay." Rick nodded.
    "What did you think I meant?" She raised an eyebrow.
    "It's nothing, really." He shrugged, then cleared his throat and changed the subject. "So, where's my room? If you don't mind, I'd like to get settled in."
    "Sure. Follow me." Allison turned on her heel and proceeded to give him a brief tour of the kitchen before heading down a narrow hallway, which led to a bedroom and adjoining bathroom.
    "This is a really nice place, Allie." Rick said as he placed his bag on the queen-sized bed. "I gotta admit, it sure beats staying at the old Starlight ." He turned at smiled over at her. "Listen, I really appreciate you letting me stay here while I'm in town."
    "Well, it's not a hotel, so you're responsible for washing your clothes, towels and the sheets. But, if you need anything from the grocery store, just put it on the list. It's under the magnet on the refrigerator. I usually go shopping on Thursday mornings before my shift."
    "Thanks. I'm sorry if Ray put you on the spot by asking if I could stay here. He can sure be bossy. Honestly, between you and me, that's one of the reasons I can't stay with him."
    "No worries. I understand," Allison chuckled and stepped closer, gazing into his eyes. "You two may look alike, somewhat. But, he's a pack leader and you…well, you march to a different drum, Rick." She reached up and brushed aside the gray streak of hair from his forehead. "That's what I've always liked about you…and still do."
    The softness of her voice echoed through his senses, along with a compelling swell of emotions. Rick drew a deep breath, attempting to control the sensations he was sensing from her. Or was it him? He wasn't sure.
    "Yep, we're different, alright."
    "Well, just make yourself at home, okay?" She took a step back from him and dropped her hand to her side. "Well, I need to get busy. My garden needs tending before the full moon consumes my work schedule." Allison glanced back over her shoulder at him. "If you need anything, let me know. Okay?"
    "Sure thing," he replied with a nod.
    After the door clicked