Free Wild Hunts by Rhea Regale Page A

alone, crept into the mix, his heart did an unusual double thump. Subtle weakness shot down to his ankles on a ripple of warmth.
    Brittle leaves crunched in time with footsteps. Each approaching step added strength to the energy that connected them. Never in his life had he experienced such a phenomenon. His nerves hummed like live wires, desperate to connect with her. He ached to feel her in his arms again, to know she didn’t cast him off like a rogue wolf. He hadn’t been given the chance to prove himself to her.
    From the corner of his eye, he caught the pale glow of flesh brimming the top of the truck bed. His breath hitched and he lifted his chin off his chest to better capture the delightful sight of his precious mate.
    Kasa’s amber eyes quickly averted his own. She ducked her head, her lustrous black mane falling over her face like a cape. Tension slowly coiled as the silence drifted between them.
    At last, Micah realized he had been holding his breath and let it out with a sharp sigh.
    “Kasa, listen. I’m sorry for whatever I did—”
    “No. It’s not your fault. You didn’t know. I–I’m sorry.” She turned her eyes—those beautiful, magical eyes—back to him. The sadness, the grief, damn, that shame filling her eyes twisted his heart. He began to sit up when she shook her head. “Can I come up there with you?”
    “Of course.” Micah climbed to his knees, halting her in her trek to the tailgate. “I can lift you. Come on.”
    Kasa’s gaze flickered between him and the closed tailgate. The faintest of grins tugged the corner of her mouth, and she reached up for him. Micah hooked his arms beneath hers and hoisted her over the high side without any exertion. Hell, she was light as a leaf, delicate as rose petals in this winter night.
    He briefly noted her attire—sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt—that hid every curve of her body from his sight. And yet, having only seen her for a short time, he could easily make out the gentle slope of her breasts and calm flare of her hips.
    “I have another pad,” Micah murmured. He flipped open the tool box and pulled out a rolled bed pad. When Kasa moved to help him, he issued the softest smile he knew and eased her back on her rear. “I’ll get it for you. Just relax. I’m sure your night’s been far more taxing than a simple trot in the woods.” With a lighthearted chuckle, despite the heaviness in his gut, he added, “We probably triggered much of your anguish.”
    “Micah.”
    The throaty tinge to her voice was electricity against the wires of his nerves, bringing him to pause. His fingers curled into the foam. Questions rumbled through his mind. God, that voice nearly whispering his name could unravel him in a blink.
    Moistening his suddenly dry lips, he unrolled the pad and lined it up alongside his. He pulled another wool blanket from the box along with two small pillows and fixed up a comfortable bed.
    Kasa nodded as he sat back. “Thanks.”
    “I’m sure you’ll be hoppin’ out of the bed soon enough. The night’s not conducive for camping without heat.” He patted the area beside him. “Settle in, precious.” I’ll keep you warm.
    Kasa crawled up to the new pad as he settled back on his. Tucking an arm beneath his head, he noticed she hesitated. A small furrow etched into her brow.
    “Would you…I mean, can I…” Her eyes lingered along his chest. Micah couldn’t help but smile at the cute way she nibbled her lower lip. He spread his arm out.
    “Come here.”
    Kasa lowered into the side of his body. He tugged her close. This was where she belonged. Snug against him, the silk of her hair caressing his arm. The sweet, lovely scent of white wolf filling his nostrils. Her fingers spread over his chest and her head came to rest over his heart. Did she notice the unsteady beat it held? A waver in his usual composure?
    “What happened earlier, Micah. It really wasn’t your fault. Jordan convinced me it was safe to speak