She laughed. “I’m okay. It was nice. How are you?”
“I’m good. This is a nice surprise.”
We’d picked up all of Evie’s things, and she’d been out to visit twice. I had said to come by anytime, but I hadn’t thought she would.
“I was going through some old boxes and I found one with Marla’s old toys. I thought Evelyn might like to have them.”
“That’s so sweet. I’m sure she’ll love it. Do you want to come in and—”
“Grandma!” Evie left Jett and Lacey in the dust as she ran up and greeted her grandmother just like I had, with unrestrained enthusiasm.
“It’s so good to see you.” Linda patted her back. “I think you grow an inch or five every time I see you.”
“What? No way. Want to play with me and Lacey?”
Now it was Linda’s and Evie’s turn to do the same thing—look at me with big puppy dog eyes.
“Of course you can,” I said.
Evie grabbed her grandmother in one hand and her friend in the other and pulled them back the hall.
“Don’t make her sit on the floor to play,” I called after them.
Jett crowded me in the best way, and I took him in—perfectly fitted suit, fresh spiced scent, and the perfect five o’clock shadow. He’d been working at a law firm that had flexible hours and allowed him to be home in time to pick up Evie from the bus every day. And he still helped the pack with paperwork for their security company. I didn’t know how he did so much, but he managed it.
I loved him in a suit as much as I loved him in his leather jacket and jeans. I liked stripping him out of his clothes best of all.
His lips curved up and his eyes darkened as he looked me over. “Something smells good.”
“Oh, just a few dishes I threw together for the picnic.”
“I meant you.”
He nipped my chin and captured my lips. I would never grow tired of kissing this man, of being held by him, being loved by him.
The rumble of engines approached from outside, while squeals of delight carried through the cabin. It was time for a pack picnic, so our fun would have to wait. I didn’t mind. We had all the time in the world, because we were mates. And we were forever.
—
A grumpy bear, a misdelivered mail-order bride, and more Protectors fun—grab Can’t Prove Shift!
A Taste of Can’t Prove Shift
Mason
With a flick of the knob, the stink of propane wafted from the burner. I lit a match and set my water to heat. The stove let out a faint whistle as the gas fed the flames. Heat grew while the last embers of the night’s pyre in the hearth behind me cracked and fizzled their final breaths. Me and my fires, so far from civilization—all was as it should be, save for the woman in my bed.
Cool, tranquil water transformed into a steamy, bubbling boil. I pulled the pot from the heat, and stirred in the cocoa powder with my long, wooden spoon. The aroma was warm and rich, every tendril of steam wafting the sweet scent of chocolate toward my nose. It was routine and comfort.
Then it hit me, a punch to the gut. Rich and creamy cocoa with just a hint of earthy cinnamon—it was just like her scent. Again I pictured her, the mystery woman from the crate, gorgeous and angry. The woman who slept in my bed.
I poured my cup of cocoa and took a sip. It burned as it went down, the flavor filling my head with thoughts of a stranger. Her eyes shone golden brown, like butterscotch.
The sweet taste of chocolate clung to my burnt tongue.
I settled into my favorite chair, finally content. Finally ready to sleep.
Whether or not she meant me harm, I knew I was in trouble. My guard was down. This strange woman, this vulnerable cat, had broken through my barriers in her sleep. There was no turning back.
Get Can’t Prove Shift on Amazon!
Also by Keira Blackwood
The Protectors of Sawtooth Peaks
Running to the Pack - Cole & Hailey, part one
Defending the Pack - Cole & Hailey, part two
Uniting the Pack - Lance & Trixie
The Protectors of Sawtooth Peaks Box Set - Books 1-3
Howl for the Holidays - Harkins & Amy
Revenge - Axel & Penny
The Protectors of the Pack
Bodyguard - Reynolds & Alex
Enemies - Witt & Zoe
Heir - Hunter & Grace
The Protectors of the Pack Box Set - Books 1-3
Warrior - Dax & Cora
Scoundrel - Jett & Paige
The Protectors of Riverwood
Grizzly Bait - Liam & Emma, part one
Grizzly Mate - Liam & Emma, part two
Grizzly Fate - Liam & Emma, part three
The Protectors of Riverwood Box Set - Books 1-3
The Protectors Unlimited
Can’t Prove Shift - Mason & Caitlyn
Suave as Shift - Lincoln & Juliana
In Deep Shift - Zane & Mia
The Protectors Unlimited Box Set - Books 1-3
The Protectors Quick Bites
Midnight Wish - Chase & Harper
I Dream of Grizzly - Deckard & Valerie
The Ocean’s Roar - Vaughn & Selene
To Catch a Werewolf - Sebastian & Gemma
About the Author
Keyboard ninja, late-blooming bibliophile, proud geek, animal lover, eternal optimist, visual artist.
Keira Blackwood writes steamy paranormal romance full of suspense, action, and a dash of humor. No cheating. Always a happily-ever-after.
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