Page 97 of Big Bad Wolf

“About what?”

“Why? Are you getting nervous?”

She expected a begrudging laugh, but he cleared his throat. “I like listening to you.”

She moved closer, letting her shoulder rub against his arm as they walked. Their hands were still linked. “Well, in that case, I was thinking about last night and how amazing it was.”

A low growl of agreement from Rafe sent a shiver through her. He brought her hand up to his lips and brushed a kiss across the back, causing her thoughts to stutter again. She wanted to bring up his hesitancy to do more, but she also didn’t want to push him. She could respect his boundaries.

“But I’m also worried about today and about meeting your pack and about Lena.” She blew out a long sigh.

Rafe was quiet and when Ruby stole another glance, his brow was furrowed.

“I’ll handle the pack,” he said, gruffly. “My father’s dead. Whatever else I may think about Knox, I know my brother is a better Alpha than my father ever was.”

“I’m sorry to make you have to face him again.”

“Don’t be.”

Somehow Ruby found the return of his harsh two-word answers comforting.

“It’s time. I’ve stayed away too long.”

Ruby hadn’t really considered that there were others he’d left behind, others he might miss. “Do you miss them?”

“Some of them. Sometimes.”

“Do you miss her?”

Rafe stopped dead and she turned to see him frowning down at her. “Scarlet died over a decade ago.”

“I didn’t know there was a time limit on missing people.”

“I hardly knew her.” He swallowed hard.

“You hardly know me.”

Rafe’s silver eyes studied her, the sun streaking through the trees and lingering in his hair, bringing out the warm brown in the strands. He looked at her like he did know her. Like he had known her forever. Ruby’s breath caught in her throat and for a second she thought maybe she knew what “werewolf reasons” were. Maybe she knew exactly what she was to Rafe. And he to her.

She nearly asked. The word she had only ever heard in biology class and old werewolf movies caught in her throat.

Rafe brushed a wisp of hair away from her face. “Of course I know you.”

Her body ached like every inch of it longed to be with his. This wasn’t normal. This wasn’t just a crush on a sexy man. This wasn’t just love. The pieces began to slide into place. “Are we…? I mean, am I your…?”

His eyes widened, a look of alarm on his face, the look of a cornered animal. Ruby lost the nerve to finish her question.

She cleared her throat, glancing away from Rafe’s startled stare. “We should probably keep going, right?” she asked.

Rafe blinked. “Uh … right. Yes.” He grabbed her hand again and strode ahead on the path, pulling her along behind him. At least he hadn’t run from her this time. His fingers were still wrapped tight around hers.

Was she right? Bits and pieces of everything Rafe had told her over the past few weeks raced through her mind. He couldn’t stay away from her. She was different. His overwhelming desire to protect her. This insane physical attraction to each other. If everything she’d ever read about werewolves had even an ounce of fact in them, then maybe it was true. Maybe she and Rafe were⁠—

“Not much farther.” Rafe’s gruff voice broke through her racing thoughts.

Ruby tugged on his hand, and he slowed his pace a bit. “Can we slow down?” she panted. “My legs can’t keep up with yours.”

Rafe peeked over his shoulder and gave her a sheepish grin. “Sorry.”