Page 2 of Allie

Doyle's eyes narrowed into slits. "We don't need any more troublemakers here, especially not light witches who can’t pay attention to where they are going."

"Troublemakers?" My brow furrowed. If anyone caused trouble around here, it was him and his dark magic. “I truly didn’t see you when I stepped out of the gym. And Ididlook.”

And I didn’t see him, nor did I sense him. My magic was sensitive to others’ energy, so I should have sensed him unless he was hiding his from me.

"Listen, just keep your nose clean and we won't have a problem," he snapped, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I exhaled slowly, trying to clear the taste of the bitter, dark magic from around me. “Noted. Thanks for the warning.”

Just as I went to step around the vile man, a shiver skittered down my spine, telling me that someone was behind me. Instinctively, my fingers twitched, itching to conjure a protection charm or at least a smoke bomb for a dramatic exit. But before I could so much as turnaround, the color in Doyle’s face drained, and he flicked his gaze over my shoulder. Yep, someone was definitely behind me. Not that I needed Doyle to confirm that.

"Is there a problem here?" A deep, smooth voice flowed over me like dark chocolate. It vibrated through the hall, commanding attention.

Doyle opened his mouth, probably ready to dish out another serving of his delightful personality, but he was cut short. A growl cut through the air, stopping Doyle from saying anything else.

"I wasn't talking to you."

The power behind those five words was palpable, and Doyle clamped his lips shut as if they’d been glued together. My heartbeat thudded in my ears, curiosity piqued. Who was this person who wielded silence like a weapon and seemed to have property managers for breakfast?

This person was going to my new BFF.

I turned to face the owner of the voice as Doyle seemed to shrink back, as if trying to become part of the wallpaper.

My gaze lifted to meet his, and for a moment, the rest of the world fell away.

My instincts said he was a shifter, but I could quite figure out what his animal was. Deep pools of blue stared back at me and damn if my body didn’t warm and tingle all over. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Doyle turn on his heel and leave. Fast. Like a bully who had been called out by the school principal.Ha! See ya.

A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. The shifter’s lips quirked up at the edges, as if he appreciated the absurdity of the situation. But his eyes never left mind.

"Guy’s an asshole," he said, confirming what I'd already figured out for myself. His voice was rough around the edges, but oddly soothing.

"Seems like it," I agreed, still chuckling. The tension in my shoulders eased just a bit. I held out my hand. “I’m Allie. I just moved in with my sister Natalie in room 1013.”

“Roan.” He took my hand, and I swore a current of warm desire exploded in my core.

"If Doyle gives you any more shit, come and let me know." Roan's tone left no room for argument, and his protectiveness struck something primal within me. He released my hand, and I instantly missed the feel of his energy that had wrapped around my own.

"Will do. And where might I find my sexy knight should I need him?" I asked, only half-joking.

"Apartment 1011," he replied with a hot as hell half smirk. "Right next door to yours."

Well, hello hot neighbor.

"Convenient," I murmured, suddenly very aware of how close our living quarters were and how little I minded that fact.

"Guess I'll be seeing you around, Allie," Roan said, turning to walk away. He moved with a predatory grace, all coiled power and latent energy.

I watched him go, heat creeping into my cheeks despite the cool air of the hallway. Captivated didn't quite cover it. Roan was hot, his presence alone enough to send my senses into overdrive.

Once he was out of sight, I took a deep breath and raced back to the sanctuary of my new apartment, my mind spinning.

"Nat!" I called out as I burst through the door of our apartment.

Natalie rushed out of her bedroom, frantic. "What?"

I flopped onto the couch and fanned myself with my hand. "I met our hot neighbor in 1011.”

She laughed and headed for the kitchen. “Roan.” She sighed when she said his name.