Changing Beauty (The Deadly Beauties Live On 2)

She’s too naïve to see the danger in a creature that is this bloodthirsty. But she refuses to kill as anything other than a last resort.

Too fucking human.

Kimber is just as gentle. Ella, too.

But Gage and I share a knowing look. Kane and Zee offer the same silent exchange, letting us know we’re on the same page, and it’s not the same page as Alyssa.

Now to find out which one of us will be the one to piss her off. Because if this thing is shredding people and drawing attention to our world, we won’t let it live.

Chapter 3

ROSLYN

“Any sign of our new neighbor yet?” Jenny asks while dropping to the sofa.

I really wish she wasn’t my roommate, but she’s all I’ve got. Money is tight right now. I’m not sure what you call someone you tolerate but don’t consider to be a friend. Maybe she’ll grow on me. After all, I’ve only known her for a few weeks. You don’t get to really know someone that quickly.

“Not yet,” I answer, moving over toward the window.

I’ve only noticed the house being lived in because there has been a car parked outside on occasion. I never saw any moving trucks, so I’m assuming it’s because the summery fall has drawn in the tenant that lives here seasonally.

“So that party,” she says slowly, gauging my reaction. “I really want you to go.”

Memories of the blonde masterpiece from the bar come to mind, and I quickly shake my head to dispel the thoughts.

“Not my thing.” I’m only partially lying.

I don’t want to be around the perfect player. He’s wickedly smooth and very well rehearsed in how to make a woman swoon. I also can’t seem to speak while in his presence.

“Well,” she drawls, her vixen’s grin painted on her lips, “if this thing with Zee doesn’t pan out, then I’ll definitely be looking up the blonde, because that’s sure as hell my thing.”

Anger stirs inside me, but I fight it down. I don’t know Thad, and I sure as hell have no right to be getting angry about Jenny showing interest. My blood pressure rises too much when I get mad. I usually end up passing out, and now that Jenny is living here, I don’t need her to witness that and mock me for yet another weakness of mine.

Ignoring her, I sit down to start reading.

“What’s his name?” she asks just as I flip to my marked page.

“I never got it,” I lie, even though I have no idea why I feel the need to be so protective.

My eyes study the page, but I can’t find the focus to actually read the words.

“Hmm. I suppose I’ll find it out at the party in a few days.”

I slam my book shut, and I drop it to the table. “I’m going for a walk,” I say, standing quickly. If I continue to listen to her, I’m going to get angrier, even though there’s no reason for me to be getting so worked up. I refuse to pass out. It always leaves me with a massive hangover type of headache.

I really need to see a different doctor to get this fixed. The current medication isn’t actually helping.

Jenny doesn’t say anything, and I head outside, noticing a group of guys as they leave the house next door. All I see are the backs of their heads, but their bodies… Wow. This is a great town for the women who need a distraction.

I, however, do not need a distraction.

“Out for a walk?” a familiar voice drawls, and my eyes snap wide as I glance up to see Thad leaning against the porch rail of the house next door.

No. No. No. He can’t be my neighbor.

“I recommend the sidewalk. The woods are a little… scary right now,” he goes on, pretending as though I’ve answered, as his honey-colored eyes stare into mine and a mocking grin plays on his lips.

Can’t. Speak. No frigging words.