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He laid a massive hand over hers. “No.” He handed the waiter his card.
Rachel wanted the evening to last, but despite Lev being the man she’d fantasized about for the last few months, her father’s reaction to Lev’s unexpected visit didn’t bode well. At first, she assumed he was a player, a man who conquered all women in his wake. Love them and leave them. Her good senses also warned her something about him indicated danger. Feral. The master predator that waltzed in, alerting the herd animals of imminent danger. Her pulse compelled her to end the evening. Play it safe.
Lev signed the bill and smiled. “Shall we enjoy the New Year’s festivities?”
“I really should make sure the house is safe from big black wolves.”
“Your house is okay, but if you prefer, I can cancel my hotel reservation and stay.”
Her cheeks burned. “I offered to split the cost of the meal.”
His face twisted in hurt. “Rachel, you don’t think I expect you to pay…?”
She whispered despite the din of conversation. “No, of course not. It’s just I’m not the type of woman who…you know…goes to bed on the first date.” God help me, I am that type of girl with him.
He laughed. “Of course. I understand. I just don’t want you to be alone after the break-in. I will treat you like—a sister.”
Her heart clenched. Great. That’s all the dinner was, gratitude to her father for saving his life. “Most generous, but your hotel accommodations are probably much nicer.”
“I made the hotel arrangements online, but I have not checked in yet.”
“You haven’t?” Who arrives at a city and doesn’t check in first?
“I wanted dinner first and now I wish to bring in the New Year with you.”
“You do?”
He took her hand and his warm lips kissed it. “Your amber eyes agree.” He gazed at her. “No argument.” He helped her with her coat and led her out. “Tonight, we bring in the New Year together and then I will walk you home. I won’t leave until I make sure no wolf is lurking about.”
Every second he spent with Rachel made it harder for him to leave her. His wolf gained control every time he took in her sweet scent. Imagined the taste of her blood. Making her his. Tomorrow, he’d leave before she woke up. Before his wolf overpowered his promise to stay away and he lost his good senses. Truth was he didn’t want to spend the evening around a bunch of drunken New Year’s revelers. He preferred to bring her to his den, unpin her luscious hair and watch her locks cascade down her back. Remove her gown and gaze on her shapely breasts and soft slender curves. Yet, even a one-night stand proved too risky. If he dared make love to her, his wolf would break away from its tether and bite her soft nape. There'd be no escape for her. Taste Stallo’s blood and forever mark her as his. He could never reveal he was a werewolf, not without her signing the contract. Such a signature required two other werewolves. She would then be marked by each. Once she signed, she could never reveal their werewolf society. To do so, meant her death. Howard didn’t want their lifestyle and isolation for his daughter. Lev would honor his wish, even if it meant locking his wolf in an escape proof cage.
Lev offered his arm, and Rachel took it. No alpha werewolf, or any other human woman, felt so good. Tonight, he’d enjoy Rachel, before leaving her forever. She’d return to practicing medicine, marry a human, and have a child not stained with mutant blood. A life with her kind.
“Hey, don’t look so sullen.”
He lifted a brow. “I look sullen?”
“I should have said pre-occupied.”
“My apologies. You are right. I was thinking of business, but no more.”
Rachel smiled. A smile that made him feel like a lovesick pup. “Let’s head toward Jackson Square then.”
“What is happening there?”
“Maggie says it is the best party. Fireworks over the Mississippi.”
“So why is your friend out of town?”
“She’s been there, done that. Anyway, I have a feeling Jim plans on proposing.”
He bowed. “Very well, be my guide.”
Lev kept her at his side, only because he didn’t want to lose her in the crowds. Rachel, a fast walker, easily kept up with his long strides.
Never had he been around such a big crowd of people. A loud band played. His sensitive eardrums threatened to burst.
Rachel glanced at her watch and shouted. “Six minutes.”
