Free Dark Wolf: 1 (Spirit Wild) by Kate Douglas Page B

where I live.”
    “Busted,” he said. He glanced her way. “I’ve wanted to meet you. I’ve heard of you. We’re neighbors in Montana, but you’re never there.”
    “Rarely. The job keeps me tied here more than I like. I prefer Montana.” She stared out the window as he followed the road to her house. Her mom’s uncle Ulrich had owned the place for many years, but all the family had settled on the compound in Montana years ago, when the world of man first learned that shapeshifters lived among them.
    Luckily, the expected backlash hadn’t been nearly as bad as they’d feared, but Tia and Luc, along with the rest of the pack, had decided they preferred living a communal life. It meant the kids could grow up with others like themselves, but it also meant the parents weren’t alone raising children with powers even the adults didn’t always understand.
    It was almost funny, now, to think of everyone’s shock when she and Alex and then the others had shifted while they were still so young, but they’d been exposed to the nutrients since conception, and then through breast milk. Unlike the older generation who hadn’t discovered their Chanku heritage until they were already adults, Lily’s was a generation born Chanku.
    Precocious didn’t come close to describing them, and they hadn’t necessarily chosen wolves as their creature of choice, though Lily would always prefer that form.
    She glanced again at Sebastian and wondered if he’d tried other creatures, and then she tried to imagine him shifting as easily as she did. None of them truly understood how the shift occurred, though Lily had been the one to discover that it entailed manipulating time in another dimension.
    Which led to thoughts of what she was going to say to Sebastian as he pulled the car into her driveway. Her thoughts were still shielded, as were his, but she turned to him.
    “Thank you, Sebastian.”
    He raised his eyebrows and then slowly shook his head. “For what? For trying to rape you? For losing control? I only hope you’ll accept my apology, Lily. I am so sorry. I don’t know what happened, but I swear it won’t happen again.”
    His look was direct, his apology heartfelt, but then he turned away and stepped out of the car, walked around, and opened Lily’s door. He took her right hand and helped her out of the car. She hung on and lightly touched his cheek with her left hand, cupping his jaw in her palm. “Will you come inside?”
    He went very still. She caught the flare of his nostrils, the slight widening of his eyes and knew that he was well aware what she was asking.
    “Are you sure? After what happened?”
    She shrugged. “We ran as wolves. You chased me. I got away, and then you protected me from two wolves intent on doing harm.” She laughed, as much at the surprise in his eyes as the fact it felt so damned good to stand here in her driveway, flirting with a sexy, mysterious man. “Don’t look so surprised. As far as I’m concerned, it was one hell of a first date. I’m a wolf, Sebastian. I always enjoy a good fight.” She winked. “A pretty good time was had by all, don’t you think? Well, except for the two who will probably be limping for a few more days.”
    When he stared at her as if she’d sprouted horns or something worse, she laughed, clasped his other hand, and drew both of them close against her breasts. “I am Chanku, Sebastian. After a run, I really want to fuck. No strings. No ties. I just really, really want sex. Are you up for that?”
    He shook himself, and she thought of a big dog coming out of the rain. But then he glanced down at the front of his slacks and raised his head and one eyebrow. “I guess I am.”
    This time, when she tugged his hands, he followed her into the house.

5
    T his was absolutely the last thing Sebastian had expected. Hell, he wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d called the cops after the stunt he’d pulled during their run, but she didn’t appear upset or