by Dana Archer
“Then you must not be satisfying her. ’Cause she wouldn’t have her hand down my pants if you were.”
Sean’s fangs slid into place, and the tips of his claws pushed against his skin. He closed his eyes in case they started glowing. With his wolf close, Sean didn’t trust himself not to lose control. Shifters not only had to remember they were stronger than humans, but they had to maintain a low profile. Only a select few humans in the higher levels of government knew about them, not the general public. For their species’ sake, it had to stay that way.
He tightened his control over his wolf, reminding it of where they were, then leaned close to the human. “If you want to wake up tomorrow without any broken bones, you best walk away now.”
“I should be saying that to you.”
“You wouldn’t last thirty seconds against me, buddy.”
“I hate cocky bastards. I can—”
“Tell you what. If you want to fight, let’s fight. All you have to do is push me away and throw the first punch.” Sean moved his hands to the wall on either side of the guy’s torso.
The human planted his palms against Sean’s chest and shoved, then pushed again and again in a failed attempt to move him. The guy cursed before slipping under Sean’s arm. “That doesn’t prove anything. I can lock my knees too. If I had a better angle, you’d be on the ground.”
Sean stood, arms loose at his side. “Well, you’re free now. Hit me.”
The guy swung. Sean intercepted his fist a moment before the blow connected. He tightened his grip on the guy’s knuckles until the human’s eyes widened. “You lose. Get out of here, and the next time a woman doesn’t like something you say or do, listen to her. Got it?”
“Sure. Whatever.”
Sean released him and followed his retreating back with his gaze until the human disappeared around the corner. “Now that he’s gone, tell me why you came out alone. That’s asking for trouble.”
Silence answered him.
Sean pivoted and scanned the empty alley for the Tanner female. She was gone. He jogged to the main road and swept his gaze over the area. Only a few humans lingered on the street. He stood there a moment and debated what to do, then shook his head.
“Not my problem. She’s a big girl. If she doesn’t want me to protect her, that’s her decision.” It was also the best one for him. He wanted to wake up alone tomorrow.
Chapter 3
Sean took the long way back to the Kagan Industries’ office. His intention had been to pass out on the couch in the downstairs office. The Tanner female’s intrusion on his night of drinking killed his plans. The buzz he’d developed had morphed into a compulsion he couldn’t explain. Every instinct within him demanded he hunt down the female. He just wasn’t sure what drove him—physical needs or something more. It was the latter which left him prowling the streets of the humans’ town while he sorted out his thoughts.
He’d been dealing with his instincts ever since he matured. Every time he crossed paths with an eligible female, the same scenarios—wondering if she’d be a fitting mate or if genetics would gift them with strong offspring—had dominated his mind. The only difference was that as soon as he got away from whichever woman had caught his eye, the urge to claim her as his mate passed.
But the Tanner female?
He could not stop thinking about her. Even with the full moon’s influence fading, the pull to her remained.
Why?
The question repeated in his head. He couldn’t figure it out. Sure, she was hot. Getting her naked body under him would leave him sated, but there was more to his fascination. Something about her struck him as different.
Maybe she’s my true mate and that’s why I can’t stop thinking about her. He snorted at his thought. He’d have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than finding his true mate. Actually, that wasn’t quite accurate. He very well might cross paths with her. Recognizing her was a different story.
There was no instant sign, but if you were lucky enough to find your true mate, man and wolf merged, thereby becoming what their gods had intended when they’d created shifters. Too bad their gods didn’t have the foresight to clue them in better. Matching tattoos would’ve been nice. No, the only advice their elders had to give was to mate someone you cared about and hope for the best. If you were lucky, the female you chose was your true mate. If not, then at least you had a friend to walk through life with.
At the edge of the town park, he hesitated. If he continued past it, he’d reach the Kagans’ office in less than five minutes. He could lock himself inside or he could return to the bar and try to pick up the female’s scent. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know her. The Tanner pack had its issues, including a rotten alpha who didn’t deserve the role he held, but not all the Tanner shifters deserved to be shunned as many of the Kagan pack members had chosen to do.
Besides, he still wanted to know why she had been out alone. From what Noah had told him, all unmated females were encouraged to join their monthly mating run—a shifter version of speed dating meant to increase the number of their pack’s mated couples.
With his decision made, he cut through the park. Halfway across, he froze. A pair of high heels, along with the top and skirt the Tanner female had worn, were strewn across the grass. He snagged the tattered fabric. She’d shifted on the run, not bothering to undress. Trying to escape someone? Maybe the human from the bar or another shifter male?
His heart rate kicked up, and he scanned the grounds. Nothing moved. A deep breath didn’t give him any clues either. She’d been gone awhile.
He pressed his nose to her shirt and inhaled. Her fragrance seeped into his lungs, giving him the means to track her. He dropped her shirt and ran. It’d be quicker and easier if he let his wolf out, but he couldn’t risk it. For one, he didn’t know if he’d be able to retake control, but more importantly, if a human spotted a wolf running through town, they’d go for their guns or call the police. Neither would end well. He needed to find her, and fast.
The scent of blood drifted to him. He pivoted and followed it. A few hundred feet into the woods, he spotted a tuft of hair. More blood was streaked along a nearby tree. Worry gripped him. The female was running blindly. Fear would do that, except he didn’t smell anyone else, not another shifter or human. Whatever set her off had frightened her, though.
A flash of white caught his attention. He turned and collided with her gaze. Sides heaving, she froze and watched him through her wolf’s eyes.
“Are you okay?”
Her steady stare answered him. In her animal form, she couldn’t speak to him, but she made no attempt to shake her head or nod either.
“Shift and tell me what happened.” He took a step toward her. “I can—”
She bolted away from him—straight toward the town’s main street.
He did the only thing he could. He opened himself to his wolf and shifted.
Chapter 4
The Tanner female was fast. Sean had to give her that, but he wanted her safely in his arms before she hurt herself again. He pivoted, sliding on the damp grass, and ran full out to intercept her. She caught sight of him and turned in the opposite direction. He inwardly cursed, but followed, urging her toward the Kagan office.
After several minutes, the pond at the rear of their property came into view, and he calmed. If he could get her to shift, he’d invite her inside and patch up her cuts.
She slowed her frantic pace and came to a stop near the fountain. He sat on his haunches several feet away, giving her enough space so she wouldn’t feel trapped, then reached for the tether to his wolf. He gave a rough metaphysical yank on it, but the animal didn’t fight him. It slipped into the mystical field where it had lived its entire life and allowed his human shape to reform. The ease with which it retreated shocked him. He wouldn’t question it. The female didn’t need to know how he struggled with his instincts.
He crouched so as not to appear as threatening and folded his hands loosely
in front of him. “Well, now that you made me ruin my clothes and took me for a run through the woods, are you going to tell me what frightened you?”
She stiffened but didn’t shift.
He motioned in the direction of the bar. “Was it that pathetic human? Or a different one, because I’ll—”
She shook her head.
“Another shifter, then? Someone from your pack harassing you?” Without the evidence of one, it didn’t seem likely, but he couldn’t imagine what else would’ve sent her running.
Again, she shook her head.
“Okay.” He waited a moment, then blew out a breath. “Look, why don’t you just shift and talk to me? Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you.”
A long moment passed while she studied him through her icy wolf eyes before she eased her tense posture and shifted. He watched in awe as she changed shapes, a sight he’d seen hundreds of times, yet never had the flip in forms mesmerized him the way hers did. For one brief second, a fuzzy image of a white wolf meshed with that of the woman who housed it. A glowing tether connected them, heart to heart. Her wolf’s shape faded and hers gained dimension. In the next moment, a naked female stood before him.
Hand planted on her hip, she raised her chin. “I’m not afraid of you.”
He swept his gaze over her. It was impossible not to. Full breasts, shapely hips, and lush thighs—she was beautiful. No, gorgeous. Even that description didn’t do her justice, but he couldn’t think of a better one. He only knew he’d never laid eyes on a more perfect female, but if he didn’t tear his gaze from the space between her legs, her opinion of him would be less than stellar.
He glanced into her face. “I’m glad. I didn’t want to scare you, but I was afraid someone was after you. When you took off, I reacted. I couldn’t let any of the humans see a wolf running through their town.”
“You’re right.” Her shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s the full moon. Makes even the most levelheaded more prone to act on instinct.”
“That’s what I was trying to avoid by running away from you.”
“Me?” He pointed to himself. “What did I do to frighten you? Was it because I shoved that loser against the wall? If so, you should know I didn’t hurt him.”
“I believe you.”
He pushed to his feet. “Then what did I do?”
She skimmed her gaze down his chest to his groin. His body stirred to life under her focused inspection. He tried to will it to behave but failed miserably. He had the sudden urge to slap his hand over his package. The female was skittish enough. She didn’t need to see the evidence of how much he wanted her. Her shaky sigh stopped him.
“Other than looking like a sex god?” She shrugged. “Nothing.”
“Sex god?” He grinned, pleased with her description. “Thank you, but why is that a bad thing?”
She ran a hand through her hair. The move lifted her breasts and exposed a cut on her upper arm. The sight of her blood dripping from the wound sickened him. Literally. It wasn’t simply empathy or concern for another shifter, but a physical response. His gut rolled.
“—I ran instead.”
Her voice registered in his mind, but he didn’t catch what she’d said. He shook his head.
“I’m sorry. I drank a lot tonight. The brain’s a little sluggish. What did you say?” It was a lie. He wasn’t drunk. Even his buzz had worn off, but he didn’t want to admit he felt like a failure and a jerk. She’d hurt herself because of him.
She gave him a wan smile and approached him, then rose on her tiptoes and laid a hand against his cheek. He gazed into her face from inches away and studied her as the gods had intended her to be. Her makeup had disappeared with her shift. Although artfully done, it hadn’t made her prettier. It had merely drawn attention to her features, but it wasn’t necessary. Her natural beauty captivated him. He mapped her face with his gaze, searing her image into his memory.
Her short eyelashes were nearly luminescent, and combined with her icy eyes, she appeared ethereal. Her pink lips and flawless skin added to the image. She could’ve been a snow goddess, but she wasn’t cold. The lust displayed on her expression promised a passionate side that could make any male burn. He curled his fist to resist pulling her closer. He wanted her to set him on fire, but listening to her was more important.
“I said”—she dragged her fingertips along his jaw to the corner of his mouth—“I looked at you sitting there all alone, and my possessive instincts flared. I wanted to make you mine, but you dismissed me. I figured you already had a lover, so to avoid humiliating myself, I ran instead.”
His first assessment of her had been right. The female was unlike any he’d ever met. It was no wonder he’d been drawn to her. “Do you make a habit of taking what you want?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Her eyes twinkled, and her lip quivered. “I’m from the Tanner pack, and we embrace the old ways that say the strong should be rewarded the best prize.”
He would’ve been annoyed by her words if he didn’t see the amusement in her gaze. According to the old ways of pack mentality, the weak—whether they were beta shifters or humans—were left to fend for themselves. If they died, then it was nature’s way of ridding the pack of the worthless.
Thankfully, the Kagan pack didn’t uphold those teachings. If they did, Riley and her twin would’ve died as infants. Although they ranked as betas in the pack hierarchy, Sean couldn’t imagine his life without them.
He settled his hands on her hips. “Is that what I am? A prize?”
“Maybe.” She chuckled. “But at the moment, I should say you’re my hero. You did save me. I acted like an idiot. What I did was just plain stupid.”
“Don’t ever use those words to describe yourself. I don’t like it.” He bent and dragged his parted lips over the delicate column of her neck to the spot right below her ear. “Try words like beautiful, strong, bold, sexy. Those are fitting words for you.”
She curled her hand around the back of his head. “And how would you describe yourself?”
He caught her lobe and sucked on it. A shudder ran through her, and she leaned into him, letting him support her weight. “Male.”
“Male? That’s it?”
“Yes. That covers it. Males aren’t special. We just are.”
She turned her head so they were eye to eye. “I beg to differ. You’re better than many I know.”
“How so?”
“Most of the unmated males from my pack would’ve been stimulating me by now and making sure I was too aroused to resist them when they pushed me to the ground.”
Anger tensed his muscles and tore a low growl from his chest. “That makes them assholes, not males.”
She lazily traced his spine. “I agree, which is why I refused to spend my first night as a mature female with them. I figured a one-night stand with a human was better.”
“And because of me, you didn’t end up with one.”
“Another thing I should thank you for. His idea of how we should spend the night involved me tied up with a ball gag in my mouth.” She laughed. “As if I would ever submit completely to someone I didn’t view as my equal.”
Challenge accepted. Except, he had a better idea of how to fill her mouth.
“You’re welcome, but I am sorry I ruined your night. Will you let me make it up to you?”
She raised a brow. Interest showed in her gaze. “And how do you plan on doing that?”
“I have my ways. Say yes.”
She reached between their bodies and brushed her knuckles over his stomach. “Are you sure? Males in my pack have called me demanding and insatiable.”
He swung her into his arms. “Females have said the same about me.”
A wicked grin spread over her face. “And none were smart enough to claim you?”
He walked toward the patio, then punched in the security code. The door unlocked, and he carried her inside. “Or I was smart enoug
h not to give in to them. It all depends on how you look at it.”
She linked her hands behind his neck. “Yes. My answer is yes. I want you to be the first male I make love to as a mature female.”
Her answer should’ve made him happy. Instead, it fed into the possessiveness riding him. Being her first wasn’t good enough. He wanted to be her last.
Oh no. Thoughts like that would damn him.
Maybe his offer wasn’t the smartest he’d ever made. Too late, though. He never backed down from a challenge. He just needed a moment to get himself together and remember what was at stake.
He set her on her feet away from him, then held out a hand. “I promise to make it memorable, but first let’s patch you up.”
“Okay.” She twined her fingers with his, and his thoughts scattered.
He inwardly cursed. Get himself together, huh? He’d be lucky if he could slap a couple of bandages on her cuts before he loved her.
Chapter 5
The female’s scent drew Sean closer. Every step from the kitchen to the office where she waited tightened his body and quickened his pulse. He wanted to get drunk on her. Feast on her sweetness. Tease her until she was begging for release.
Make her his.
He shook his head to clear it of the crazy thought. It didn’t help. The possessiveness hadn’t lessened, no matter how many times he reminded himself he needed to keep it in check.
“Are you going to stand there all night or are you going to”—she grinned—“come over here and see to my needs?”
He loved her assertiveness. He glanced at where she stood near the fireplace. She was tall for a human but average for a female shifter, and the perfect height for him. He could rest his chin on the top of her head and feel her heated breath on his chest. Needing to hold her exactly that way, he placed the items he’d collected on the nearby desk before facing her.
He slipped an arm around her waist and drew her against him. With his cheek pillowed on her silky hair, he asked, “Do you have many?”