“You evil female.” On a feral snarl, Coal turned and left. The frame of the door shook from the slamming.

Julie covered her mouth to hold back a laugh. Note to self, don’t tease a shifter when in heat. She touched her lips. How had this happened? No, she wasn’t going to analyze this. She was going to enjoy it. She was falling in love and it was wonderful. Coal was wonderful. He wasn’t going to hurt her. He. Was. Not.

Julie took a deep breath and headed for the kitchen where she poured herself a water. She took a long drink. It was fresh mountain water, straight from the source. She smiled as she took another sip. Who knew that drinking the water could be so much fun?

She rinsed the glass and put it in the rack before looking around her. Julie could get used to this. It wasn’t like things could go on as they had been. She would need to find something to do around here. Not a job exactly because they didn’t seem to work on a money system but something.

Oh lord!

She couldn’t believe that she was actually considering a future here. Julie clutched her stomach but not because of cramps, more because of butterflies. She was excited, she couldn’t wait…

There was a knock at the door. Who could that be? It wasn’t Coal because he wouldn’t knock. Duh! He lived here. Maybe Pauline, or Lisa. Had to be.

The apartment was clean even though the bed was still unmade. She had showered and was dressed. Julie walked to the door and opened it.

She almost did a double take. Bright, green eyes narrowed on her. The woman’s arms crossed over her chest.

“Scarlet.” Julie didn’t hide her distaste. “What are you doing here?”

The redhead let out a pent up breath. Her mouth was pursed. Her shoulders square. “Aren’t you going to invite me in.”

Julie shook her head. “There’s nothing you have to say that I want to hear.”

“Are you sure about that?” The redhead relaxed her arms, letting them drop at her sides. “Really, really sure?” she added.