Welcome to the Neighborhood by Mary Abshire Read Free Book Online Page B

especially when she’ll have two werepups to care for.”
    “Yeah, probably.” Corey fidgeted with his cup on the table, rocking it. “You know, we’ll outnumber the others here after the twins are born. Charley thinks Mr. Hadley might not allow any more werewolves to move into the neighborhood.”
    The notion Mr. Hadley would refuse any supernatural creature from moving into Midnight Gardens seemed absurd. For starters, the neighborhood catered to nonhumans only. Secondly, the acres of free land to roam attracted shifters, faes, elves and werewolves more than any other supernatural. Mr. Hadley liked to make money. He didn’t seem like the discriminating type.
    “Is that what you were talking about when I arrived?” Greg asked.
    “No, we were talking about Phillip.”
    “I saw him walk in.”
    “It’s odd how he never shows up to these gatherings, but now that we have another vamp in the neighborhood, he makes an appearance.”
    “He’s curious about her. We all are.”
    “Some more than others,” Corey said, smiling.
    Greg withdrew his cell phone and checked the time.
    “She’s late,” Corey said.
    Greg pressed his lips together as he returned the phone to his pocket. Twenty minutes late was not a fashion statement. He began to wonder if Alexandria had decided to stay home.
    “Ladies and gentlemen,” Mr. Hadley said, his voice amplified by means of a microphone.
    Corey and Greg exchanged looks. “I guess she’s here after all,” Corey said.
    People rose and headed toward the front. Greg teetered from side to side in his chair, trying to see through the mass of bodies. The podium in the corner was too far and the crowd too close together for him to get a good view.
    “May I have your attention please,” Mr. Hadley said and the voices started to silence.
    Greg scooted his chair back so fast it nearly tipped over, but he saved it.
    “Where are you going?” Corey asked.
    “To get a closer look.”
    “You’ve already seen her up close.”
    “Yes, but I’d like to speak with her.”
    Greg squeezed between Corey’s chair and another occupied one before stopping at his roommate’s side. He tugged on the cuffs of his long-sleeved shirt. He’d dressed businesslike with a pressed, button-down shirt and dark pants, hoping his professional appearance might impress Alexandria.
    “She has to give a speech first.”
    Greg heard Corey’s words but they didn’t register. Greg longed to see Alexandria. He’d waited long enough and now that she was in the same room, he couldn’t resist the magnetic pull to get close to her.
    “Ladies and gentleman…” Mr. Hadley repeated.
    Greg teetered from side to side. Although he was a tall man, he could only see brief glimpses of Alexandria’s face through the gaps between bodies. Those quick looks were enough to accelerate the beat of his heart.
    “I’ll be back,” Greg said.
    Not delaying another second, he headed for the crowd near the podium. Nervous energy and excitement rushed through him. He wanted to gaze into her pretty eyes, watch her and listen to her voice. Okay, maybe he’d sneak a peek at her breasts too. His cock twitched and he tried to ignore it. The woman captivated him unlike any other ever had. He had to talk to her. And he would as soon as she finished her speech.
     
     

 
    6
     
    Alexi stood to the side of the podium while Mr. Hadley gathered everyone’s attention. She held her small purse behind her as she scanned over the faces staring at her. A quick slip into a few minds revealed they were curious about her. A few made pleasant comments on her attire, which eased her anxiety a little. She was late because she’d spent too much time trying on clothes and searching for the right outfit. On the ninth change, she found the perfect combination–a white blouse with a white skirt. Unfortunately, the clothes had an ungodly amount of wrinkles and she didn’t have a dryer to fluff them. She spent an additional fifteen minutes setting up