The night Jeb and Roxi spent together had changed their relationship forever; now there was a subtle difference in the glances they exchanged... a tenderness in the eyes, flares of sexual awareness at things the other did; their time together now bespoke intimacy. Jeb was very attentive and used small strokes and caresses to express to Roxi his feelings... her eyes followed him when he moved about doing his duties at the tavern door.

Jeb realized that night that if Roxi had been sexually active it had been awhile since then... and he took it slow and easy..trying to heighten her pleasure and make sure she was ready for him when they finally came together. The experience had been intense; both being shifters they were able to control themselves in subtle ways that helped them to prolong their lovemaking till they both were ready to surrender... the look in Roxi's eyes as she climaxed told him his instincts were right; she was fiery with desire and it tipped him over the edge.

Tonight she sat beside him as he worked the door; sipping an iced tea she kept him company between customer arrivals. Monty came to give him a break after the dinner rush; and he drew Roxi out onto the dance floor, gathering her tightly in his arms they danced..every movement a suggestive brush of body against body. Jeb looked down into her eyes.."Mind if I come over after work?". Roxi grinned and said..'If you don't I think I'll die of loneliness." He leaned down and kissed her, a kiss that swiftly grew passionate; to the point they stopped dancing and clung to each other... unaware there were other people around them. Jeb was drawn back to the moment when he realized the music had stopped and the other couples and patrons were smiling at them with approval.

Grabbing Roxi's hand Jeb drew her away to the back hall and seeing no one else about he pulled her against him and again kissed her..this time his hand brushing against her breast, caressing down her hip and causing her to thrust forward, her hips grinding against his now obvious arousal. Jeb pulled back and whispered... "wow, this could go too far in a hurry, my breaks over sweetheart; hold that thought till I'm off and I'll show you what I want to do to that gorgeous body of yours." Roxi blushed, which made her even more attractive  to Jeb... he loved her shy soft ways; no one but him would guess how wild she could be.

 Draping an arm casually about her shoulders they crossed the floor back to the front door; Roxi resuming her perch on the chair and Jeb caressing her cheek before turning back to the door.

Things have been hectic with the renewed efforts to catch the ghouls; but Jeb's place has still been to watch the tavern and its occupants. This is an off night during the week for the club... so Obsidian is taking over some of the duties so Jeb can have some off time; especially when he is only going next door to Roxi's. She had her apartment pretty well together and wanted to entertain him there. Traeger had indeed done the renovations she needed and he walked into a compact,but efficient kitchen with his covered tray from Monty's kitchen.

Jeb set the tray down and with a flourish lifted the lid... Roxi gasped as the aromas assailed her nostrils; a chicken roasted with herbs and small red potatoes cut in halves with tiny carrots..all cooking in a sauce based in lemon juice and garlic. "Gosh, that smells good, my mouth is watering "...Roxi said. Jeb held out her chair and she sat and then he slipped into the chair across from her.

Roxi had used her good china from her mother and set the table with blue and white patterned dishes on dark blue silk placemats, and set her crystal goblets out for wine. Jeb set about carving pieces of the chicken and soon they were both staring at plates full of heaven's feast. Jeb grinned and said... Roxi,I'm starving; lets eat this and then exchange pleasantries." Roxi laughed and said... "dig in,I'm hungry now that I saw this"... and they savored their food over slow and easy conversation in front of her kitchen window with the cool night breeze ruffling the curtains and the night sounds seeping in from down below.

Jeb and Roxi had spent enough days in conversation over breakfast for them to feel comfortable together; no awkward silences as they ate,just a feeling of ease . They decided to go into her parlor/livingroom to have dessert and Jeb looked around at the few personal things she'd brought trying to get a sense of her life before she came here. Everything was neat, and more toward the fluffy feminine side... lace doilies and curtains, family pictures on an end table, fresh flowers in a vase on the coffee table. Roxi emerged with a tray containing two generous portions of cheesecake loaded with fresh mixed berries... blueberries, strawberries and raspberries vied for attention amid the sweet red sauce they floated in. "Wow, i thought dinner was something special"..came out of Jeb's mouth as he took his first bite. Roxi made dessert herself; it was an old family recipe and Jeb's reaction told her she hadn't lost her touch in preparing it.

Things seemed more intimate in this room with its soft ambient lighting; and they sat side by side on the couch, thighs touching as they talked and ate. Roxi had been planning how to move things to a more intimate level; Jeb had let her know it was her decision when and where their relationship moved forward... she took another step; taking a forkful and looking into his eyes she fed it to him... licking her lips to remove some of the sauce that stained them as she did so. "Good,huh?"... he responded by taking her dish and setting it on the coffee table and folded her into his arms.

The kiss started soft and sweet, he murmured that her lips tasted better than any dessert... and when she moaned softly; he applied more pressure, his tongue edging her mouth open as he explored her mouth, and she caught the tip of his tongue in her teeth... just enough to tease, and surrendered to the feeling. Jeb slide one hand into her hair, capturing her so he could explore her eyes before he plunged into her mouth again... his other hand sliding lightly over her breasts... feeling the taut nipples under her light top, knowing she was as excited as he was. Roxi whispered.."The bedroom, more comfortable"... and Jeb scooped her up in his arms and stepped across the room to the opposite door... stepping into a room from 'Gone with the Wind'. frilly lace and ruffles abounded here as well, and he laid her amid soft pillows piled high on the bed. Roxi showed him her mischivious side as she started pitching pillows off the bed..dodging as she hit him with more than one of the perfumed lovelies.

He captured her by one foot and dragged her to the edge, peeling off her thigh high stockings as she looked him in the eyes... a dreamy expression came over her face as he caressed the leg from dainty foot up to the top of her thigh.. .jerking slightly as she felt him brush against her cunt. This was going to be a night to remember... she mused; as he drew her skirt down and she helped to unbutton her blouse... freeing her erect tipped breasts... her last sane thought for awhile was how sexy it felt when he hooked her panties with his fingers and drew them slowly down....

Roxi was sitting on a stool not far from the front door... a separate spot Jeb had set up for her so they could talk when he was not busy. They had put aside their "date" in the woods for now; waiting until some issues were resolved about who and what caused the attack in the forest involving Star's family.

The time had been good for them, Jeb had taken Roxi around town to pick up things to make her apartment homey and they had talked a lot; she was surprised how at home she was with Jeb and the others she worked with. They were fast becoming family... and perhaps more in the case of Jeb; she could no longer deny that when he dropped his arm around her shoulder she felt a jolt of electricity that made her loins clench. Tonight there seemed to be something different to the feel of the place; an aura of suspense??... she knew there was an eclipse coming; Jeb had told her that she would see him in all his inglorious bestial splendor then... he could not hold back the beast on such an occasion, and wanted her to know she might be drawn to shift herself... and it was okay to do it here. The tavern was prepping for a night to howl...

The musicians were changing for yet another surprising round of instrumental and vocal bliss... Roxi didn't know when she had been so enthralled by the power of music; this was truly a magical place... this humble tavern full of friends and companions.

Roxi didn't mind being alone for awhile... she had just spent a day getting settled in her apartment and going over the basics of how Traeger ran his shop. She knew she was going to be happy there; the other young people she met that apprenticed with Traeger were just as friendly as all those she had met at the tavern.

Pandora walked over to retrieve her daughter from Ob, and it was obvious that she was with child... they looked very loving to each other; and it made Roxi sigh.  She had not been in a relationship for quite awhile... her life had been traumatic at best after her grandmother's death. The home she'd owned was heavily laden with debt; her grandmother had been in ill health for years, and she kept taking out loans to cover the mounting expenses.

Roxi had seen the attorney just the week before coming to Exton; and he had given her a check for $10,00.00... not much when her grandparents had spent their lives there, and she walked away knowing strangers would soon change the whole aura of the place.

Roxi's parents had been wanderers... they both worked for the forest service; and seemed to favor the remote wilderness areas where they were free to shift and join the other wild creatures there. When Roxi had grown old enough to know her heart wasn't there with them; they sent her to live with her grandmother to go to college, and find herself.

She had only been with her gram a year when word reached her that an avalanche had buried her parents... she knew they were together doing what pleased them, so she tried to dwell on them in Summerland, running free as the beautiful creatures they were with their furry coats glistening in the sun. Her father had been a grey fox, much larger than her mother... who was the burnished coppery color that Roxi's hair bore. They had always relished their wild side; and encouraged Roxi to do it as well.

Roxi relished the idea of running with Jeb; she had not shifted for nearly a month, and she could feel the tension building beneath her calm exterior. This was truly a new beginning in so many ways... she mused; as she watched Jeb at the door, he stole glances her direction as well when he could... and she smiled coyly as he blew her a kiss.

Roxi spent some time getting to know some of the regulars... surprised that they came to greet her; she didn't have to seek them out, and she began to feel more at home by the minute.

She glanced periodically at Jeb; and found that when he wasn't occupied at the door he was watching her with a cute little grin on his lips. She would turn away, feeling her face grow warm... but attracted at the same time.

True to his word, Jeb took a break and drove her to the motel, waiting till she was safely in her room and smiling as she shut the door, before he drove off. He had arranged to meet her in the morning when she was ready, and take her and her belongings to Traegers. He whistled as he drove off... she was a sweet little thing.

Roxi ate like she had never eaten before, the meat was succulent and rare, the vegetables seasoned with exotic but tasty herbs. Monty was an exceptional  cook; and Ike told her it was his heritage that gave him the ability to know what was just right.

Pandora had made her immediately comfortable; she was lovely and Roxi could tell that she was human... but enhanced in some way. Pandora soon had her filled in on her witches heritage, her husband... and a brief outline of the regulars she would meet...her idea of the tavern being a safe haven for the Others of Exton.

When Obsidian came down with Chloe; Roxi knew immediately this was Pandora's husband... he was in awe of his size; he was nicely proportioned and muscular, his multi-colored hair and striking eyes in the olive  face just what Pandora had described. He turned her way and gave her a welcoming smile , then continued across the room to a large table where Pandora waited. Roxi grinned as she watched the tiny miniature of Ob perched on his arm... she shared his hair and eyes; but had her mother's complexion in a face so cute you couldn't help smiling at her.

Roxi was intimidated by the idea of gargoyles; but Ike assured her they were much like normal people unless riled... and some were larger than many humans, as Ob had shown her. She watched the loving exchange when the family united, and the tender way Ob stroked his wife's stomach,she sighed and decided they weren't as scary as she imagined.

The couple behind Obsidian were just as striking... both were redheads; but the large muscular man was definately Nordic of some type, and she knew that the petite but muscular woman must be Tori... she had the bright red spiky hair Pandora described... and attitude stood out in the very way she held herself. She gave Roxi a smile and nod too, and Roxi smiled back tentatively. "She isn't as intimidating as her aura throws out... she's actually sweet to those that are our friends and family"... Ike said as she watched the direction Roxi gazed.

Roxi returned to her food, not wanting to let it get cold... it was too good to waste. She had just finished when Jeb, the bouncer sat next to her."So, your first tavern meal; I've got to tell you, you will never leave here hungry."... Roxi smiled shyly... "It was really good; everything here seems good."  Jeb looked her in the eyes and found himself lost for a moment... she had a sadness in there. "I'm Jeb, in charge of keeping order here... if thats possible."... He laughed, watching a spark leap into those sad eyes. Roxi introduced herself and found she was attracted to this hulking man, his eyes were kind and she felt a draw that spoke of her fox shapeshifter nature. Often she  couldn't understand why she was drawn to something until her shifter side emerged.

"I'd like to get to know you better,can we talk sometime?" Jeb was not one to mince words..he was direct. Roxi blushed, and answered... "I'm going to be working for Traeger, and live in his building; I'm sure I'll be here a lot." Jeb smiled and said... "Good, then I think our paths will cross often... what are you doing for Traeger?" Roxi explained her silversmith's skills and watched Jeb's face take on a wary expression. "Well, I'm a werewolf and silver is not my best friend, just don't go making any bullets or such." Roxi laughed and said.."I promise, no bullets; in fact I'll try not to wear too much silver when I'm here so you don't get weak." Jeb replied.."I'm not that susceptible... only piercing my body would do me harm... or laying something right on my bare skin.

Got to get back to the door... talk to you again." Roxi watched him leave knowing she was going to know him better.

Roxi spent the morning scouting for rentals, not even sure about where she would work... not having anything figured yet... she paid another two days on the motel .One of the motel employees had greeted her with a smile that morning and she had talked with the woman about the town. It appeared there was a revitalized portion of old town that had quaint shops and a popular tavern frequented by the college locals for the great food and music.

As good a place as any to start, she mused; picking up a small case in which she had examples of the silver jewelry she crafted. Her father had taught her the craft, as his father taught him. They were shifters; the fox family of creatures... her father was Italian, lending her his olive skin... and her mother Irish; giving her the soft glowing skin and red hair... eyes light blue that flicked green when she was passionate about something, or angry. 

The bus driver had been accomodating about where he thought she'd best find some shops; and she stepped off now; marveling at the beauty of the old buildings... fresh paint,old brick; splashes of color from flowers everywhere. She stopped before a shop featuring unique artist's paintings and jewelry pieces... and finding the art so amazing she lingered for minutes before some prints of one artists unique interpretations. "She was the previous owner; the artist, wasn't her work wonderful?" The young woman smiled at Roxi and she felt comfortable at once.... "There are so many things going on if you look past the surface"... Roxi answered; pointing out the Fae hidden in the leaves and other whimsical points. "Yes, Grace saw much beyond the ordinary... like you and me." Roxi looked up into the girl's face.... "You're a shifter aren't you?" the girl asked. Roxi tried to hide her surprise, and the young woman reached out to touch her arm..."Its one of my gifts... I can always tell when its one of the Others; even when you appear normal."

Roxi instantly relaxed when the woman touched her arm; "I guess I'm a little lost today." she admitted.  They talked awhile and she showed some pieces to the girl from her case... and the girl told her there was a craftsman down the street that would probably  be interested in seeing her. "Traeger, the artist's  name... his daughter owns the tavern next door; its the 'In' place for us shifters." Thanking her for her time, she left the shop looking for the building proclaiming jewelsmith.

Roxi paced the room; she just couldn't settle down. She'd arrived on the last bus into town that night... and it wasn't long till she realized she was alone in a place she knew nothing about. Rumors had circulated for quite awhile about a town where shapeshifters and others were welcome; she was alone in the world... and decided it was time for a change. Now, in the dead of night she was having second thoughts... maybe things would look up in the light of day; slipping out of her robe she dropped on the bed and drew the covers up over her naked body, willing sleep to come.