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  “Kalum, I—”

  He didn’t give her a chance to finish her statement. He pressed his lips to hers. The taste of honey engulfed him as he swiped his tongue across her bottom lip. There was no rushing this. He had to take his time, make her crave him as he’d desired her for so many months. He nibbled then sucked on her lip before drawing it into his mouth. The tangy sweetness of her need grew thicker by the second. “Let me in,” he murmured. “Give me a taste, sugar.”

  Her tongue peeked out and stroked his before it retreated. The sensation shot straight to his groin. His cock thickened, pressing painfully against the zipper of his jeans. For too long he’d waited for this moment. To taste her. To feel her body against his. A strangled moan built in the back of his throat as she opened to him, giving over a bit at a time. He sipped from her. Explored her. Enjoyed the way Fawn softened against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He deepened the kiss, feasting on her. Reveling in the way she let go, giving over to him. Trusting him. He pulled back then cupped her cheeks in the palms of his hands. “Say yes.”

  She stared at him for another minute, and he thought she’d once again reject him. “Yes.”

  He barely heard her breathless acceptance. “Say it one more time.”

  “Yes,” she said. “Yes, I will go with you, Kalum.” She smiled up at him, her gaze twinkling with arousal and excitement.

  “Hot damn,” he yipped. Gathering her up in his arms once more, he kissed her. This time it was more demanding. He meant to cement his position in her life. His hand drifted down her back and palmed her rear, squeezing it. He teased her; played with her, giving her a glimpse of what was to come. Soon I’ll show you more. Soon I’ll make you crave it—me. “Have you had dinner yet?”

  “No,” she answered, trembling in his arms. “Tinks said something about grabbing a burger.”

  Kalum rubbed her arms. “Well, I have something better planned. First you need a heavier jacket than the one you have on.” He escorted her inside and grabbed the bags by the back door along the way. “Why don’t you change and get warmed up and we’ll grab dinner at Gee’s?”

  “You want to be seen in public with me?”

  The way she asked her question broke his heart. “Sugar, I want to show you off.”

  ***

  When she’d first seen Kalum emerge from the shadows on her property, she couldn’t believe it. Dressed in dark-blue Wranglers, a black button-down shirt, and his Stetson, her heart tripped a beat. The scene was just like out of a fairy tale. Snow drifted around them. The soft glow of the candles made the space around them intimate and magical.

  When he’d asked her out, it took her a minute to understand. He’d knocked her off-kilter. Give him an answer? Say yes? Everything around her went foggy, like she’d been in a dream, and the one thing she’d secretly coveted, even if her mind told her no, was a mate. Was love. Still, for the longest time, she’d never believed she was worthy of it. Worthy of being loved or desired. Yet, with Kalum, she knew, and it scared her in the beginning. She might have always known it was him.

  Fawn stepped inside Gee’s and glanced around. The place had gotten a facelift. Yes, the stuffed game were hung around the place, but it didn’t look like a taxidermy museum. The tables and booths had been upgraded. New upholstery replaced the threadbare material of old. Nicked and chipped tables had been sanded down and refinished. Country music blared from the jukebox in the corner. Plus, to her amazement, no one gave her a second glance.

  Kalum led her over to a small booth in the corner, away from the chaos of the bar. On one hand, she appreciated his consideration, on the other, shouldn’t she want to put herself out there if Kalum desired to prove his loyalty to her?

  “Everything okay?” Kalum took her hand and gave it a quick squeeze.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  “Well, I mean, yeah.” She shrugged.

  “But?”

  “Well you said you wanted to show me off, but you picked a darkened corner for us. Isn’t this counterproductive to your plans?” She glanced down at her lap, unable to meet his gaze for fear she’d said something wrong or something that could be construed as wrong. Nobody puts Baby in the corner.

  “I did, didn’t I?” Kalum said. “Well then I guess we should move.” He stood and took her hand. “How about we sit by the bar.” They made their way through the maze of tables and sat down. “Better?”

  Fawn nodded. “Much.”

  “Feels good to be free, doesn’t it?” He laced his fingers with hers and electricity zinged through her body as warmth bloomed where they touched.

  “It does.” Her self-imposed jail had come sentence came to a grinding halt the minute this man stepped out of the trees near her home. “Although, I am still quite a bit nervous.”

  “There is nothing to be nervous about. You know everyone here.”

  “Logically, I know you’re right. It’s my whole…I don’t know what you call it, is messed up.” Paul arrived at their table. “Good evening, Paul.” She smiled.

  The Wolf nodded at her and pulled out his pad.

  “We’ll take a couple of beers, burgers, and fries,” Kalum ordered for them. “The greasier the better. It’s about time Fawn lives a little.”

  The gentle Wolf inclined his head and gave a smirk as he wrote.

  What she wouldn’t give to know what went on Kalum’s brain. “So, I have a question for you,” she said turning her attention back to the man in front of her.

  “Shoot.”

  “Did Tinks take me to Rapid City today knowing full well you were going to ask me out?” She’d been curious about it from the moment she saw the lights twinkling outside her home.

  “Yes. She caught me leaving the bath-and-body package, which, by the way, smells delicious on you.” A low growl passed his lips. “You taste even better.”

  Heat infused her cheeks, and her body tingled from head to toe. “Thank you, I think.”

  “Sugar, you have no idea.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I wasn’t paying attention very well, and she got the drop on me. She promised not to tell you as long as she got to help.”

  “So she took me to Rapid City.” She nodded in understanding. “She made it seem like we were going the Solstice celebration on our own.”

  It was Kalum’s turn to laugh. “Good. I wanted it that way. I wanted you to believe the shopping trip was all her idea.”

  “How did you know I’d say yes?”

  “I didn’t. I hoped you would. I also knew there might be a possibility you’d think the gifts were creepy.” He sat back as Paul set their dinner in front of them. “Did you enjoy the hot chocolate?”

  “I did. The Bailey’s really hit the spot.” She picked up one of her fries, dipped it in ketchup, and then took a bite. “I have the ornament hanging in my office, by the window.”

  “I instantly thought of you when I saw it. I hate to admit this, but Lily helped me pick it out.” He took a sip from his beer before taking a bite out of his burger. “So, is there anything you’d like to experience tomorrow night? Anything special I should know about you?”

  “Special as in….”

  “I know about your scars, and I guess I was curious if you had any issues with shifting,” he said nonchalantly.

  “Oh.” She shook her head. “No, I don’t have any problems shifting.”

  “Good.”

  “I guess so.” She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She didn’t like to talk about her injuries. “What about you? Do you have any issues I should know about?”

  “Depends. My only issue right now is to stay in control of the Wolf. As far as he’s concerned, you’re his. Your Wolf knows he’s aching for the chance to claim you.”

  Her Wolf sat up and preened at the idea of his Wolf claiming her. Fawn welcomed the comforting brush of her Wolf against her skin, the way she stretched out inside of her, waiting for her time to emerge. Kalum’s e
yes went crystal-blue, almost white as she caught a glimpse of his Wolf. An intense need to rub him—to take in his scent in the most primal of ways rushed through her. “Wow.”

  “Wow is right.” He leaned forward. Tipping her chin up, he pressed his mouth to hers then licked her lips. “There is so much I want to do with you it’s not funny. However, I’m willing to take as much time as it takes to get you in my bed and make you my mate.”

  What if she didn’t want to wait? What if she wanted him to take her back to his place and ravish her? “What’s stopping you?”

  Kalum growled again. “I want this perfect for us. I promised myself to take my time and give you everything you could possibly need to feel safe with me. Feel like you belong with me. The gifts were step one. The run is step two. Me marking you is step three.”

  “When do we get to step three?” she asked, toying with another fry on her plate.

  He chuckled. “Sugar, it’ll happen in due time. There’s no rush. I promise.”

  Chapter Seven

  Fawn stood in front of her full-length mirror adjusting the cowl-neck sweater dress she’d bought while out and about with Tinks. The mid-thigh dress hugged her in all the right places while the black leggings gave her a bit of modesty. She slipped on her black cowboy boots and turned to the side, taking in her appearance. Would Kalum like what he saw? Fawn worried her bottom lip then frowned. What if he didn’t like it? What then?

  She stepped away from the mirror and walked into her bathroom. Maybe she should call him and say never mind. Nervous energy made her jittery. Her hands shook, and her stomach knotted. The weight of the world rested on her shoulders as the implication of tonight—stepping out with Kalum—dawned on her. Me marking you is step three.

  Her body tingled from head to toe at the thought of his lips at her neck while he filled her so completely. His rough, calloused fingers digging into the soft flesh of her hip as he kept her right where he needed her most. Closing her eyes, Fawn let out a shaky breath. No one but Kalum could affect her so. Make her want things she knew had the potential to break her completely. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and frowned. Why me?

  Kalum had the pick of women in the pack. He was strong and brave. Had money. Stability. He had a home. A life. She had her rustic home, a brother who’d run away, and a small business. She didn’t have stability. Hell, her sanity came and went with a slight breeze or a sad song. Nothing about her screamed mate potential. Yet, whenever his slate-colored gaze lit on her, she felt like the only woman in the room. It caressed her. Warmed her. Penetrated the icy shell she’d built around her for protection.

  Picking up her comb, Fawn ran it through her hair. A million reasons why she should stay home warred with the million reasons she should go. In the end, her curiosity won out. If she fell to the worries and fears she harbored, she’d be no better than the day Drew returned home and killed Magnum. At some point, she needed to stop worrying. Stop fearing the unknown. She needed to put on her big girl panties and say this is my life and I’m going to live it. “You’re going to knock his socks off.”

  In no time flat, she had her hair done, and, for the first time in forever, she donned makeup. Tinks had helped her choose a lipstick to match her dress and muted eye shadow to accentuate her natural beauty. At the time, she’d snorted, but looking at herself in the mirror…. She had to admit the girl was right. She ran her fingers through her wavy hair and headed for the kitchen. She had a few minutes before Kalum would arrive and she needed a drink to settle herself.

  The doorbell rang the minute she set foot in the kitchen and her shoulders slumped. “Damn it.” She hurried to the door and pressed her forehead to it, taking a deep breath. Now or never, Fawn. You can do this. Be a Wolf. She turned the knob and pasted on a bright smile. “Well, hello.”

  Kalum tilted his head up and a sensual smile spread across his lips. His eyes sparkled with intent. “Sugar, you’re a vision.” He stepped forward and bent his head then brushed his lips over hers. “You smell divine. I can’t wait to taste you.”

  She shivered. A bolt of white-hot lust raced through her and settled behind her clit. “Don’t you say the sweetest things,” she said, surprised by the husky quality of her voice. Inside, her Wolf preened at his compliment. “Why don’t you come in?” She stepped aside allowing him passage.

  “Did you eat?” he asked, strolling past her, his arms behind his back.

  Did she eat? Pfft, nope. Her stomach rumbled, announcing in fact she hadn’t. “Uh, I lost track of time,” she mumbled as the lie rolled off her tongue.

  “Uh-huh.” He narrowed his eyes. “You got stuff here? We still have a few minutes before we have to leave.”

  “I guess so,” she replied following after him. On the island separating the kitchen from the living room, she spied a brightly colored package. “What’s this?”

  “Why don’t you open it,” he said, sticking his head into her fridge.

  “Okay.” She grabbed the box, surprised by its weight. Pulling the paper away, she gasped when she finally got the lid off. There wrapped in cream-colored tissue paper sat a tan suede coat. “Kalum, it’s beautiful.”

  Fawn placed the box on the counter and pulled out the jacket. Lined with lambskin, the lapel and trim had been stitched into place by hand. She ran her fingers over the supple material and sighed.

  “Try it on,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her. “I want to see it on you.” Kalum leaned in and nuzzled her neck. “Then I’m taking it off you, and showing you what I have in store for later.” He flicked his tongue across the juncture of her neck and shoulder.

  Licking her lips, she let out a shuddering breath. “What about dinner?”

  “We’ve got twenty minutes. I found a pizza in the freezer. I put it in the oven to cook,” he murmured. “Put the coat on.”

  Her hands trembled as a different hunger crashed over her. Carnal. Insatiable. The idea of stripping herself bare and giving over to his desires had a shiver of pleasure skirting down her spine. Fawn slipped her arms into the sleeves and warmth engulfed her. The coat clung to her, hugging her. She wanted to snuggle down into it and sleep. “It’s perfect.” She grinned.

  “Yes, you are.” He spun her around to face him. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment, Fawn,” he said. His voice a hair above a whisper. “I know I said I’d take this slow, but seeing you all dressed up with a sparkle in your eye, I need a little taste, sugar.”

  His mouth covered hers, stealing her breath as he swiped his tongue over her bottom lip. A startled gasp passed her lips, and he took advantage. His tongue delved forward and tangled with hers as he fisted her hair, holding her in place. She moaned, pressing her body to his. His steely erection brushed over her lower belly, and she went weak in the knees. Her heart fluttered while the whoosh of blood shot through her veins. Fawn’s nipples pearled into tight beads, and her breast grew heavy with arousal.

  Never had she felt this way before.

  Kalum slipped the jacket from her shoulders then ran his hands down her arms and over her sensitive nipples. He zeroed in on the erogenous zone, teasing her. A fresh wash of cream slipped from her folds and his nostrils flared.

  “Kalum,” she whispered.

  “Sweet baby,” he crooned. “I’m going to make you feel so good tonight.” He kissed her again while tugging her sweater dress up over her rear. His finger swiped over her exposed flesh, leaving a trail of gooseflesh in his wake. Fawn whimpered, squeezing her thighs together as the exquisite ache at their apex intensified. “Let it burn.” He traced the band of her leggings with one hand while palming her ass with the other. “Do you know how sweet your pussy smells right now, sugar?”

  She shook her head, afraid to speak.

  “Like fucking honey,” he growled, dipping his fingers past the band. “Spread your legs a little bit.” She complied with his request and he rewarded her with another kiss. “Good girl.”

  “W
hat are you—” A cry fell from her lips as his forefinger circled her clit and pressed down. “Oh my God.”

  His rough chuckle only added to the pleasure zinging through her. “Why, you’re all wet, sugar.” He worked the hard nub until she was panting.

  She clung to him, writhing in his arms. “Please.” She didn’t know exactly what she was begging for, but if he didn’t relieve the euphoric pressure building deep within her, she knew she’d die. “I need….”

  “I know what you need.” He speared her with his thick appendages, curling them as he retreated. Her eyes went wide and a keen wail filled the room. “Uh-huh, just like that, sugar.” Kalum’s fingers filled and retreated from her slick passage over and over again, pushing her headlong into some cataclysmic force of reckoning. Inch by excruciating inch, he pushed her closer to a mind-blowing orgasm.

  Kalum groaned her name and crushed her lips with his. A feral growl filled his chest as his groin ground against her hip. “Shit, sweetheart,” he murmured. “Your tight little pussy is squeezing the hell out of me.” He rubbed her clit again and she went to her tiptoes. Her eyes went wide while his were heavy lidded and his lips were slightly parted. A light pink tinged his cheek bones and her heart stuttered.

  “I’m close,” she said with a moan. Licking her lips, she clutched his biceps. Her hips rolled with his ministrations.

  “I know you are.” He buried his face in the crook of her neck. His tongue slid up the sensitive flesh, adding to the sensations racing through her. “Get off on my fingers, baby. Make yourself come.”

  Everything tensed inside her. Her hips jerked and, with one last swirl of his thumb, he flicked her clit and then pinched it, sending her flying. She screamed his name shuddering through her climax. Bright flashes of light burst behind her eyelids while he brought her down gently. He cooed at her, whispering sweet words of encouragement until she hung limp in his arms. “Wow.”