Gabrielle Demonico by Shifters Unleashed (Five Volume Box Set) (Retail) Page B

one doesn’t mean you’ll be accepted. Besides, humans were strictly off limits anyway.
    As the two returned to their routines, Ben began to walk in their direction.
    “Holy shit, here he comes…” Avery said in a loud whisper.
    “ Avery. Calm down… please!” Ellie said quickly.
    “ Hello ladies…” Ben said as he walked up.
    “ Hi Ben…” the girls replied in unison.
    Oh God. Ellie thought.
    He smiled briefly and said, “Ellie, your trial membership is about to expire and you’ve used up all your guest passes on your friend here.” He never broke eye contact with Ellie or acknowledged Avery at all. Ellie couldn’t believe it. No man had ever disregarded Avery before.
    “ We actually thought you were coming to yell at us for being here so late.” Avery interjected.
    He grabbed the bar across the front of the elliptical, leaned in towards Ellie slightly and said, “ Can we expect the pleasure of your company any longer after tonight?”
    If there was ever a total package, it would be him. He was handsome, kind and had muscles stacked upon muscles. He and his brother were lifelong athletes who never lost their edge. They were so very different from the men she knew - the men of her pack. T hey were dark and almond skinned but the brothers were fair skinned, blonde and blue eyed.
    They were easily the most impressive humans she ’d ever been around. Until she’d met them, she’d never really considered being with a man . Anyway, it’s not like they’d ever be interested in someone like her. But, he was human and even though mating with him was not totally off limits, it might as well be.
    Sleeping with him on the other hand…
    “So, what’s it gonna be Ellie?” he asked.
    “ What?” She’d totally forgotten the question.
    “ Will you be renewing with us or will this be the last time I see you in the flesh?” he asked.
    “ Yes!” She replied quickly.
    “ Yes it is the last time I’ll see you or yes you’ll be renewing?” he asked, his voice raised an octave at the end.
    “ I mean, you’ll see me again.” She answered and smiled.
    “ Good. That’s what I was hoping to hear.” He replied. He then said, “Well, you ladies are the last ones in the gym tonight but I’ve got a ton of paperwork to catch up on so take your time finishing. No worries.”
    “ Thank you…” The women both answered in unison once more. Ellie shook her head in embarrassment and wondered if they could sound anymore like school girls. He turned to leave and they watched him until he neared his office. Once he did, Avery leaned in towards Ellie and said, “I told you!”
    “ Told me what?! ” Ellie replied.
    “ I told you he was looking at you. He’s all about you Ellie.” Avery answered smugly.
    “ Would you please shut up? Don’t be ridiculous Avery. I’ve seen all the women in here throwing themselves at him. He could have any of them. Why would he want someone like me?” She replied.
    “ Yeah, well , do you see him with any of them?” she asked incredulously.
    Ellie shook her head and then said, “ No, but so what? Maybe he’s not dating any of them but it doesn’t mean he’s not dating someone .”
    Avery leaned over towards her and said, “ Ellie, don’t be so dense . Why on Earth would he come all the way over here to ask you about your membership renewal when everything is computerized? Hellooooo???”
    Ellie listened in silence as Avery continued, “ Honestly, you need to get over this shit with Lukas once and for all Ellie. I know it’s hard but it’s gone on for too long and the only one suffering is you.”
    Ellie shrugged. As much as she hated i t, Avery did have a point. Even if Avery was completely wrong about Ben having the hots for her, which she was , continuing to drag herself down over Lukas had gotten old. And, truth be told, just pretending Ben might be interested gave her much beaten down self-esteem at least a temporary boost.
    “ Okay, you made your point. Can we