Read Tessa, Vampire/Werewolf Romance, (Standalone) (Shadow Creek Shifters Book 3) for Free Online Page B

“The thing is I don’t have anything other than clothing and toiletries in the way of belongings. Katlyn and I came to Shadow Creek with only the clothing on our backs.”
    “Not to worry. I’ll make sure the cabin is furnished before you arrive.”
    “Thanks.”
    Raphael turned and went out the door, and it was all Tessa could do to not collapse as every part of her screamed for him to come back and take her. It made no sense to feel that way about a shifter she knew so little about. Him living in the wilderness seemed interesting to Tessa since she longed to do something wild and careless herself. Embark on a real adventure, even.
    Tessa had barely sat down in the living room when there was yet another knock at the door. She jumped up, hoping it was Raphael, but when she opened the door to Katlyn, she frowned.
    “Oh, thanks, Tessa. Don’t look so excited that I’m here to see you.”
    “What do you want?” Tessa asked as if she didn’t know her friend was only there to be snoopy.
    “So, are you going to let me in and give me the details?”
    “I suppose,” Tessa said as she opened the door enough for her to come inside, closing it again so as not to encourage Brendan or Chase to come over.
    Tessa pulled out a lemon-lime soda for Katlyn since she had sworn off caffeine due to breastfeeding.
    “Thanks,” Katlyn said. “So, are you going to really do it?”
    “Do what?”
    “Move to Silver Creek?”
    “Oh, that. I’ve given it some thought. It seems that Raphael thinks his nephew might open up to me. I have my doubts about that, but it’s a good offer.”
    Katlyn sighed, her shoulders drooping. “Is that all? I hoped that—”
    “That I’d fall into his arms and his bed, just like that? I’m not you, Katlyn.” At her friend’s hurt look, she quickly added, “I didn’t mean it that way. It’s always been so easy with you, especially when you met Brendan and Chase.”
    “If you mean how I went to a club back in Wisconsin looking for a ménage with two hot men, then guilty as charged. How was I to know they were actually mountain lion shifters? In my defense, when we came to Wyoming, I tried to deny how turned on I was when I found out the same shifters owned Shadow Creek. I only came here to teach the children who I didn’t even know were also shifters.”
    “You don’t have to defend yourself, Katlyn. I really didn’t mean it the way it came out. I’m the last person who should be judging anyone. It doesn’t matter since you found what you were looking for.”
    “I’m not all that sure I was expecting what I got, but I’m happy with my mates and children. I guess I’m so happy that I want everyone to be, too.”
    “Life for me is confusing enough right now. I’ll admit that Raphael is sexy as hell, but I need to get to know me first.”
    “That’s good to hear, but there’s nothing wrong with a little fun worked into that. I wasn’t suggesting you become Raphael’s mate.” Katlyn sipped her soda and then asked, “And how exactly does Seth work into this?”
    “I’m not sure yet. I don’t really know him that well. I’ve spent more time talking to Raphael about his past and it’s helped me, knowing that we all have wanderlust.”
    “I don’t know all that much about him. So what’s his story?”
    “It’s not for me to say. Perhaps, in time, he’ll tell you.”
    “I doubt that. He’s always been so tight-lipped other than when it comes to Maxwell. We both agreed that we’re concerned about the boy’s reluctance to talk with anyone about his father’s death.”
    “He might not be ready, or doesn’t want to. Not everyone handles death quite the same way. There is a time to grieve and a time to move on with your life. I’ve never understood why people think children are that much different than adults.”
    “Okay, so you plan on resisting the charms of Raphael and the jury is still out about Seth, but you’ll take some time to work on Maxwell’s somber moods.