Cory was a light gray, like the ash from a campfire.
Roderick is almost black, his coat barely distinguishable from the shadows that surround him.
Also, Roderick is bigger, which gives me a perverse kind of pleasure that has a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth.
Wolf Roderick tilts his head, and I reach out a hand as an invitation for him to approach.
When he stands, I spy a hesitant wag in his shaggy tail. The friendly gesture eases my nerves even more as he trots up to me.The animal version of my man snuffles my hand. Then, without further encouragement, he presses his wet nose against my neck, smelling me.
“Gah! Your nose is like ice!” I make a half-hearted attempt to shove him away, but Roderick doesn’t budge.
Instead, he lays his massive, furry head on my exposed thighs.
Warmth radiates from him, and the chill of the night flees in defeat. Surprising myself, I let out a sigh of contentment. My fingers delve into his thick fur, and he rumbles out a happy wolf noise as I scratch behind his ears.
The moment drains of all apprehension, turning into something lovely. Together, we sit there, and as I calmly stroke his coat, I tilt my head back to gaze up at the night sky. The stars shine brightly here in a way they never managed in the light-polluted East Coast where I was raised. Still, they aren’t as brilliant as they could be, with the moon approaching its full phase. A few more nights, and Roderick will lead his pack on a run.
The thought steals some of my comfort, and I hate the reaction. One minute, I’m overcoming a fear I thought would forever be ingrained in my soul. The next second, I’m stumbling backward into the dark part of my brain that warns me against trusting one of his kind again.
Gods, I hate this constant turmoil. When will my life settle? Or did I give that option up the day I crossed into Bear Valley?
Cold bites my cheeks, and I realize my skin is damp from tears.
Somehow sensing my distress, the wolf lifts his head and steps away.
“Come back! I swear I won’t cry on you.” With hurried strokes, I wipe at my cheeks, then realize I’m using the sleeves of his sweatshirt to soak up all the salty dampness. “I promise I’llwash this too.” My voice comes out hoarse, and my throat feels thick as I swallow, and I just want my warm wolf back and to forget the past.
There’s a popping in my ears, and suddenly, a set of strong arms scoops me up. Roderick sits his bare ass on the porch and settles me in his lap.
“What’s wrong?” His voice still holds a touch of growl.
“Nothing.” I grind my teeth, not liking the idea of lying to him. “Nothing to do with you,” I amend. “My mind just went to a bad place. But that’s not your fault.”
“My wolf scared you.” He doesn’t even form it as a question, and his complete disregard for what I just said has my anger prickling.
“No.” I grasp his jaw, forcing his eyes to meet mine. “Your wolf is a handsome creature and has a very warm head. All pluses in my book.” My fingers gentle, tracing over the beginning of a beard that has sprouted since his morning shave. “I meant what I said. I just got sucked into a bad memory. But I’m happy right now. Here with you.” Leaning up, I brush my lips against his in a gentle tease. “I’d be even happier with you in my bed.”
A moment of hesitation, and then Roderick is on his feet, charging for the back door.
“Unlock it,” he growls.
Fishing my keys from my purse, I do. The alarm blares to life, and Roderick carries me straight to the keypad, not bothering to set me down, even as I type in the code. The minute the beeping shuts off, we’re back through the kitchen and into my bedroom, where I get tossed onto my mattress, laughing as I bounce on the soft surface.
With swift, sure movements, Roderick divests me of Tanya’s sneakers, his sweatshirt, and my dress. Since he’s already naked,I have a clear view of just how much he’s looking forward to what’s coming next.
I reach for him, but he grabs my wrist.
“Let me take care of you, Juliet.”
He wants to go down on me? Who am I to deny the man what he wants?
“If you insist,” I say, doing nothing to stifle my wicked grin. Then I plop back on my covers and let my knees fall open, feeling wanton in the position.
In the dim light of my bedroom, I can’t see if the werewolf’s eyes have gone black. But I do see the way he licks his lips, as if eager to consume me. Strong fingers grasp the waistband of my lacy thong, tugging the strip of fabric down my legs before tossing it to the floor.
Roderick leans over me, nuzzling his nose against my neck, scenting me, then pressing a hot kiss against my collarbone. His mouth trails slowly down from that point, pausing to suck on my beaded nipples, tonguing the tight points until he earns a whimper from me. Then he descends further, dipping his tongue into my belly button.
As my hips begin to writhe in a silent plea, two heavy hands hold me down, fingers digging into my thighs.
