The sticky substance smelled like rusty metal. I lifted her and she meowed at me. I checked her all over much to her dismay.

"She isn't hurt."

"No, but somebody is." Damon followed the trail of kitty prints to the window and found the liquid gathered at the base. Someone covered the outside window and it seeped in."

"I leave it cracked for Luna...she likes to watch the birds and pretend she is a wild kitty. The protection keeps anyone from entering."

"I'll take a sample and some pictures. I'll see what I can get from the outside. I was worried someone might come for you. You aren't exactly subtle when you are investigating. Makes for a big target on your back."

"You probably won't find much. We are on the second floor and there isn't anything under the window. The bigger question is how did they get it up there in the first place. Council goons were in the alley most of the day. Looks semi fresh. Only the edges have dried."

"I thought of that. I'll see what I can find out."

"Don't tell Lila. Please, she has enough to worry about."

He nodded and I began cleaning up. In my line of work blood happened. I knew all the tricks. Dry blood on wood floors cleaned pretty easy. It flaked once the moisture disappeared. I cleaned it all except for the outside.

Cleaning up a fluffy white cat with wickedly sharps claws prooved the easiest part of my day. She hissed and meowed but eventually gave in. I knew she would be miffed at me for a bit but I knew canned tuna would help.

"The couch pulls out. There are sheets and pillows in the closet at the top."

I watched him walk to the bathroom door instead and just let him figure it out. I didn't have many doors in the flat anyway.

"Nice towels." He shook his head.

"What? Not a fan of Simpsons? Bart is for guests. Lisa is mine."

"Have a lot of guest sleepover?" His eyes heated.

"Tons." I lied.

He didn't moved for a minute then found the right door.

"Shame the sheets aren't themed as well."

"I got them in trade for a job. High thread count though. I'm sure your baby skin will appreciate it."

"Lets get this straight. There is nothing baby about me. Skin or otherwise."

I swallowed, "Okay."

I tried to ignore the way the smell of burnt cedar invaded my nose and my apartment. The space seemed so small with him conquering it.

"Good. I'm sure dinner is ready."

He walked to his bag and pulled out a dark blue bottle filled with some kind of liquid.

"Bring your own kind of shampoo?"

"No, In my world. It was rude not to bring a gift to someone hosting you for a meal."

He walked closer and I reached for it.

He tsked. "Not for you Katherine. It's for Lila."

"Yeah of course. I was just offering to carry it."

"I think I can handle it."

I waited for him to turn to the door and followed. Could I survive having him stay here. Blood on the floor and a pissed off cat. Seemed like a great start to a new roommate.

I engaged the security system again and followed below. Lila transformed the cafe tables to a family dinner. The grilled meat made my mouth water.

"There you are. What took so long?" Lila brought a plate overflowing with kebobs and placed it on the table.

"I was admiring the fine decorating skills of your sister."

Lila snorted. "Yeah? Well, her taste is a bit unique."

Morse came in behind her with a huge bowl of greens and veggies. The salad looked more like a painting full of bright colors than food. The man cleaned up well his long hair sat tied at the base of his neck and the stubble was gone from his cheeks. Clean clothes and shower proved magic. He looked like a new man.

"Looking good Morse."

He smiled shyly. "Your family has been most kind. I'm feeling more myself than I have in years."

"Glad to hear that."

Lila sat at the head and Stella at her right with Morse next to her. I sat in the other side with Damon next to me. Stories of my childhood and awkward teen years passed Stella and Lila's lips. Much to my bemusement.

"She punched him right in the face," Lila continued. "Serves the jerk right for trying to get past first base on their first date. She was only sixteen."

Stella laughed and added. He ran out crying for his mom and Kat looked miserable. I thought it was because she liked the guy but no. She was mad because when she corrected his behavior he left in such a hurry he spilled her coffee and popcorn."

"It was good coffee." I grumbled.

"See, what am I going to do with her?" Lila chided.

"Well I start by not messing with her coffee." Damon added.

"Oh good, lets share some of your childhood stories," I pointed to Damon. "I'm tired of being the subject of tonight's dinner."

The laughter stopped and his face took on his stoic mask.

"I might have one story. My older brother always liked getting into trouble. It was more like he attracted it. My parents were very proper and had important jobs. They used their influence to keep him out of trouble but he always had to pay for his transgressions. One time, he was forced to muck out the stables for a whole week. It took twice as long for the smell of Beexy excrement to leave his person. Beexy are like a mix between horses and frogs for your Earth. Their skin secreted a very rich fertilizer. But people usually wore special clothes when dealing with them."

His eyes twinkled as he laughed. The sound infected us all as we joined him.

"Sounds like you had a fun childhood." Lila offered.

"Some of it yes."

Before we could continue a knock sounded on the door of the cafe.

"I'll get it." Lila scooted her chair out and made her way to the door. "Does anyone here know a wolf man?"

"Yeah, that's probably for us." Damon and I went to the door and greated Ben.

"Evening, I came to let you know Eva is doing great."

Lila called from the way to the kitchen. "Have him come in, It's time for dessert."

"You heard the boss. Come in and join us." I smiled.

"Thank you." He returned it. His Amber eyes caught the light and glowed briefly.

"Everyone this is Ben. He's the leader of the Wolf Pack."

Ben laughed. "We don't call ourselves that."

"Why not? Sounds like an old band name." I added.

He shook his head.

"Pull up a chair. You'll love Lila's cinnamon crumble."

Damon opened the blue bottle he placed on the table at the beginning of dinner. It didn't smell like wine but something warm and spicy. It smelled almost as good as coffee.

"I'll grab some glasses." I walked to the kitchen and pulled some down showing my hidden waitress skills. 

I froze at the words coming out of Lila's mouth. "Stay here. We can make room."

Dear Holy Brad. Not another one.