He snatched the clothing from her hand. “How did you get down?”
She shrugged.
After a quiet moment, he said, “You can turn around. I’m dressed.” At least the anger had deflated in his voice. When she turned to face him, he was eyeing her suspiciously. Then he looked at the cliff and back to her a few times. “How’d you do it?”
“Like you said, I’m a werewolf.”
His eyes narrowed, and his lips quirked up. “You’ve got some secrets, don’t you, little wolf?”
The hint of amusement in his voice made her smile. He wasn’t angry. Maybe he was even a little impressed. Inside, she felt a flutter of pride.
“Next time give me some warning though. You scared me when I didn’t see you on the cliff.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “I tried to, but you’d flown off before I got the chance. You didn’t even ask me if I could get down myself.”
He blinked. “I…” His lips turned down in a small frown. “I’m sorry.”
The apology surprised her but made her feel a little vindicated. His ego seemed to be shrinking by the minute. Maybe he’d make a decent partner after all. If he was truly sorry and not just handing her a line to shut her up.
“Now,” he said, turning a circle, “how do we find the pack?”
“I know how.” She tugged her backpack onto her shoulders and took a big whiff of the air.
Walking toward her, he asked, “Are you going to let me in on this secret?”
With a smirk, she tapped her nose.
His eyes widened with recognition then he chuckled. “You’re becoming quite the handy partner.”
Wow. Even if the compliment was fake, it still felt damn good to hear it.
“So, which way does your nose tell you to go?”
She thought for a moment. This felt a little like a test. The sun was setting, and it’d be night soon. Surely he didn’t think traveling in the dark was a good idea. She could see almost perfectly in the dark, but shifters couldn’t, not in human form anyway.
“I think…” She turned a circle, focusing her senses on their surroundings. “I think we head west toward water then make camp for the night.”
Chapter Three
Smart girl. Dalton nodded, and they headed west, where he’d spotted the river a few minutes ago. He had to admit Eden was more capable than he’d thought. Maybe other people had been underestimating her, too.
He hadn’t been lying when he told her she’d scared him, disappearing from the cliff like that. His first thought hadn’t been about the mission but that he might never see her smile again. Why that concerned him, he didn’t know. Maybe the carefree attitude was growing on him. It certainly was refreshing.
“Have you ever shifted into a wolf?” she asked after they’d walked in silence a while.
The question surprised him. Why would he need to? A bear was far stronger. “No.”
“You should practice.”
He gave her a quizzical glare.
She shrugged. “Unless you plan to let me walk into camp by myself…”
“Definitely not.”
“Then you should shift into a wolf and accompany me. Think about it. They’ll barely accept me. I may be a wolf, but I’m also a stranger. If I’m approaching with a shifter, it’ll make their hackles rise. But if they think we’re both wolves, they’ll be more accepting, and it’ll look like you’re my protector. I’m less likely to”—she bit her lip, showing she wasn’t as fearless as she seemed—“attract the wrong kind of attention.”
Of course she would. Anyone straight male would desire that sexy little body, big brown eyes, and genuine smile. That thought made a knot form in his stomach. A sudden possessiveness took hold of him. But why should he feel that way about her? She wasn’t his, and he didn’t want her.
He distracted himself from those disturbing thoughts by focusing on her idea. It made sense in a way. But a wolf? He wasn’t even sure if he could. For now, he shrugged in a non-committal way. Maybe he’d try later when she wasn’t watching. He’d spare himself the embarrassment of failing.
“You’re scared,” she said.
What? He scowled down at her. “Why would you say that?”
“You’re obsessed with being prepared. You only trust yourself. You stick to definites, what you know you can do. Means you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared.” Cheeky little girl. He should shift into a bear and show her what real fear was.
“Prove it. Shift into a wolf. I’ll go first. Watch me, then you try it.”
“I don’t need to watch you to shift into a wolf.”
She frowned and stared at the ground. Part of him wanted to do it just to make her smile, but he didn’t answer to demanding little wolves. He answered to his people, his morals, the gods, his mission. He had a higher calling. This was his mission. He was in charge. He’d already let her get the upper hand too many times since they’d started.
“I was so excited when I found out I’d be paired with you,” she said, breaking through his irritated thoughts. “Dalton Bane. You’re like a celebrity.”
“I’m not a celebrity.” Though his ego liked that she’d thought of him that way. “I didn’t even have much to do with Marwalaeth Du.” The battle would go down in history, tales of its heroes with it. But the real heroes were his old co-leader, Felicity, and her mate, Maddox. And, of course, the Underworld Queen. A shifter could never possess that kind of power. But seeing his people freed from slavery had been the most gratifying thing he’d ever done. The fact that he wouldn’t have to worry about Eden being forced into that situation felt even better.
She seemed disappointed in him now though.
“You’re not excited to work with me anymore?” he asked.
“My enthusiasm faded when you got all…cranky.”
“Cranky?” He chuckled. That was a nice way of putting it. If she were less polite, she’d tell it like it was. He’d been an ass, a pompous ass who not only underestimated her and distrusted her but hadn’t respected her either.
With the most sincere look he could muster, he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
“I’m used to it.”
“You shouldn’t be.” He shook his head, saddened for her. How was she able to keep such a positive attitude surrounded by people who always doubted her? “You’re braver than I gave you credit for.”
She smirked. “All I had to do was jump off a cliff to win you over?”
“You did more than that.” Though she tried to pass it off as a joke, she needed to hear this. Everyone deserved someone who believed in them. “Not only were you smart enough to think of the door opener, but you had a connection to someone who could give us one. I think the people who underestimate you aren’t paying attention.”
“That’s everyone.”
“Not me. Not anymore.” He stopped and gazed into her eyes, letting her see the truth in his. “I see you, little wolf.”
Through her tough act, a small smile appeared. She needed building up in a big way, and for some reason, he wanted to be the one who did it.
They walked in silence for a while, his thoughts never straying far from the sweet-smelling woman at this side. Her scent—wild and calming at the same time—almost seemed to match the scenery. Clumps of pine trees casting shadows in the coming dark made it feel like they were in the middle of a fairy tale. But the fresh scent of the crisp air was heaven.
Just beyond the tree line, the white-capped river peeked through. Eden hurried forward. He followed her. What was she so eager for? As he filled their canteens, he watched Eden soak her hands in the running water. She winced and let out a little groan.
She’d been injured? How had he not noticed sooner?
“Let me see,” he said and held out his hands.
Hesitantly, she removed them from the river and placed them in his palms. Red and swollen, her fingertips looked incredibly painful. One nail had completely fallen off, and a
stream of blood made a pool in his hands.
“What happened?”
“From scaling the cliff.”
“Ah.” He nodded. “Now I see how you got down.”
She shrugged. “A small price to pay. It wasn’t as if you could fly me down.”
“Stay there.” He went to his backpack and pulled out his spare T-shirt. “If you’d given me more time, I might’ve found an easier way down.”
With a haughty look, she said, “I didn’t feel like waiting.”
He chuckled then ripped a piece of his shirt.
“Hey! Don’t do that. You’ll need that later.”
“Shush.” He strolled over with the cloth and took the hand where the nail had broken. Gently, he wrapped the makeshift bandage around the fingertip then tied a knot. Brown eyes peered up at him. She held still while he cared for her. So trusting.
It took him a moment to realize he’d finished and was just staring at her. She didn’t seem to notice either. Her gaze dropped to his mouth. He pictured kissing her, breathing in her sweet scent, playing with her mouth, tasting her. She looked like a passionate little thing. Was she as playful in bed as outside of it? If so, he could have fun with her. Tease her, wrestle with her, play games of dominance. It was a natural thing for a supernatural male. And a feisty werewolf like her wouldn’t give in easily.
“Thank you.” Her voice sounded hoarse.
Did she desire him as well? Gods, it’d been forever since he’d wooed a woman. Since Jara. The painful reminder shook him out of the daze. He swallowed hard and stepped away. Fuck. What was he thinking? He’d just daydreamed about fucking his work partner.
A one-night stand was one thing, but he’d sworn off serious relationships. He almost laughed at himself. As if Eden was even an option for a mate. She was smarter than he’d given her credit for, but that didn’t make her marriage material. However, those breasts and that adorable backside made her quick-fuck material.
“What’s wrong?” She looked up at him, all innocence and sweetness, and he wanted to kick himself. How could he even think about reducing her to an object like that? She deserved better.
“Uh, nothing. We should make camp.” When had daylight left them completely? Though the moon was nearly full, the shroud of trees kept most of the light out. “It got dark fast.”
“Yeah.” Even in the dim light, he could see her wicked smirk. “Guess my superb night vision is pretty helpful, huh?”
Brat. “Yes, it is.” With a playful little push, he propelled her forward. “Now use it to find us a flat spot to camp, little wolf.”
“Aye, aye, Captain. Only not near the water.” She turned a circle then pointed into the woods.
“Why not?”
“Animals are drawn here. We’ll be left alone if we camp somewhere else.”
That was one way to do things. “I can shift into a bear, sweetheart. I don’t usually worry about animals bothering me.”
“Why defend yourself from trouble when you can avoid it from the start?”
“Because walking back for more water tomorrow morning is a waste of time and energy.”
She spun to face him. “You know what else is a waste of time and energy?”
“What?”
“Arguing with me. Just admit I’m right and move on. I won’t think less of—” His sharp pinch to her ass made her cut off with a squeal. “Hey! What was that?”
Though she sounded offended, the big grin on her face gave her away.
“I should toss you into the river, little brat.”
With a look of mutiny on her face, she placed both hands on her hips. “I’d like to see you try.”
He arched a brow. Daring thing. “Really?”
Her casual shrug turned this into a challenge. One he couldn’t turn down. A moment later, he leapt for her. She ran, disappearing into the darkness of the trees.
Fuck she was fast. And she had the advantage of better vision. As he tripped and stumbled over roots and rocks, he could hear her giggling up ahead. He made a mental note never to challenge a werewolf at night.
Only a few minutes later, he couldn’t even hear her laughing. Where the hell were they? He slowed to a stop when he hit a small clearing. The tree line made a circle around an area of patchy grass. Light from the moon filtered in through the clouds. He listened hard for any sign of her, but all he could hear was his own panting.
Did she get lost? He could shift and find her if he had to but—
A body flew into him from the side, and he toppled sideways and hit the ground with an oomph. Eden straddled him, laughing deliriously. It was so loud and outrageous he found himself chuckling, too, even though she’d bested him. He wasn’t used to being outsmarted by a girl.
When the laughter died down, she leaned in and said, “I found us a camping spot.”
The light of the moon made her eyes twinkle, resembling the night sky. “I noticed,” he rasped. The urge to kiss her was almost too strong. Just when he was about to grab her, she jumped up.
“I’ll get us firewood,” she said then disappeared before he could do so much as tell her to be careful.
****
Twenty minutes later, they had a small fire roaring as they nibbled on their meal. Eden was still riding a high from the chase. For the first time ever, she felt a connection to her werewolf side. Instinct came alive, and little pricks of electricity danced on her skin.
Dalton had chased her. They were playing. She’d heard it was the werewolf way. Mates teased and played and chased. They wrestled for dominance. She yearned to do that with someone she loved and trusted.
Trust was growing with Dalton, which was a good thing, considering they were partners for the time being. But now, watching him eat in contemplative silence, his skin glowing in the light of the fire, all she felt was lust.
His true character was beginning to push through the initial conceit. He’d been kind and gentle when he’d cared for her injured finger. More than that, he’d admitted she had value.
I see you, little wolf, he’d said. The memory gave her shivers. How long had she wished for that? For a man to simply see her for who she was, not what she was?
Every past relationship had ended before they’d gotten serious. Well, before the other half had gotten serious anyway. She wore her heart on her sleeve and had fallen in love with several men. They doted on her, called her beautiful, romanced her. Then, when it came time to settle down, they left her with an explanation that things could never work long-term for a shifter and a werewolf. After the first few heartbreaks, she’d toughened up. Maybe being the temporary girlfriend was her lot in life. No marriage, no kids, no one to share her future with. She distracted herself from those unpleasant thoughts with plans for the following day.
“Are you gonna shift into a wolf for tomorrow or not?” she asked Dalton.
He tore into a strip of jerky and thought for a moment. “Yes. I’ll give it a try.” After a swig from his canteen, he stood and took a deep breath. “This could get messy. Don’t laugh at me.”
She squeezed her lips together and mumbled through them, “I promise I won’t.”
He nodded then backed away from the fire and stopped in the darkest patch of the clearing. She could hear him slip out of his clothes, and she wished he’d stayed closer to the light. The shadow beyond the fire made it even harder for her to see, though watching him bare that sexy body wouldn’t help her libido any. Not after the adrenaline rush from the playful chase. She’d wanted him to catch her so bad. To catch her then pin her down then –
“Okay,” he said. “Here goes.”
The sound of bones snapping made her cringe. Maybe it was better that she miss the show. He groaned, and a shudder crawled up her spine. She knew that feeling. The feeling of release when you finally finished the shift. It happened faster the more you did it, but never really went away.
For a moment it was silent except for the shuffling of feet – or paws – on the ground. She squinted into the
darkness. “Come into the light so I can see.”
An animalistic grunt came from across the fire, sounding like a protest.
“Come on,” she coaxed. “We won’t know if you’re close unless I can see.”
Another moment of silence. She waited patiently, and then she heard a footstep and another. Just beyond the fire, a shape appeared. A paw thumped onto the ground in full light beside the fire. A wolf paw. That was promising. The figure came fully into the light, and she gasped.
He had the face of a bear, but she could see parts where he’d tried for a wolf. The long tail. The paws. The hunched-over back and patchy fur was a cross between a bear and a wolf. It was grotesque. And though it would scare plenty of people, it wouldn’t make a good impression on the pack. She grimaced. It didn’t look like a comfortable fighting form either.
“Um,” she said as politely as possible. “Try again. Just focus on the body first. You look like you’re halfway there.”
He gave a small groan, but he stepped back into the dark, and she listened to the sounds of shifting and shuffles against the ground. Another few moments passed, and then he came back into the light. The body was right. A brownish-gray wolf, a little on the large side but passable.
But the face…
She tried to hold it in, but a strangled snort escaped her. He growled.
“I’m sorry!” she said, letting out another short burst of laughter. “You look like an Ewok.”
He shook his head in an animalistic way, and the snout grew longer. Then he sneezed, and the fur around his eyes disappeared. Another big shake and he was fully wolf.
With a big smile, she clapped her hands. “You did it! Bravo!”
He bent his front paw and dipped his head in a wolfy bow.
“I’m impressed!” She gave him flirty smile. “Though the Ewok was cute.”
Without warning, he leapt at her. She squeaked and scrambled back, but he landed on four paws over her, trapping her under him. He stared down at her and bared his teeth. She had to remind herself he wouldn’t hurt her.
“Okay, doggie. You made your point.” She wriggled back then froze when he growled in warning. Staying put, she looked up into his black eyes. “Can you shift back to human faster?”
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