Free Vegetarian Mate [Pack Law 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Becca van Page B

had come to request permission to work in town. It was a formality since James was in the Friess Pack’s territory. But he hadn’t acted like a humble young wolf seeking entry into a pack. In fact, he hadn’t asked about the pack at all…
    “I promise I won’t cause any trouble in your pack, Sheriff Friess,” James had said. “All I’m asking is to stay in your town for a couple of weeks while I look for work.”
    Jarrod had asked, “What sort of work are you looking for?”
    “My main area of expertise is construction, but I’m willing to do anything to earn some much-needed cash.”
    “Define ‘anything.’”
    “Oh, nothing nefarious I assure you, Sheriff. I’m willing to work in the local bar. I’m down on money at the moment, so I can’t afford to be too choosy.”
    “What pack did you say you belonged to?”
    “I don’t belong to any pack, Sheriff. As I have already told you.”
    Jarrod didn’t like it. The bastard was too smarmy for his liking. He wanted nothing more than to kick this lone wolf out of his town. He’d told James that he had to run it by his Alpha before deciding anything. Of course, Jonah had told him to follow his instinct, and his instincts were screaming at him to throw James out of town.
    But if he refused the man’s request, James wouldn’t leave. Jarrod felt certain of that, just as he was sure that James was the lone wolf that had been causing problems around Aztec for weeks. He just needed proof.
    Jarrod sighed and rubbed his eyes. It had been a long, trying week. There was nothing for it but to wait for Harold James to expose himself as a criminal. And in the meantime to make sure Rochelle kept out of his way. Jarrod didn’t want his woman anywhere near the bastard.
    A soft, feminine voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Jarrod turned to find Rochelle standing in the doorway to the kitchen. The warm light caught the highlights in her hair. “Are you okay?” she asked.
    “I’m fine.” When he turned back to the kitchen and approached, she backed up, out of his way.
    Something in his chest twisted. Women always did that when he walked toward them. “Need something?” he asked.
    She shook her head. Jarrod shut the door behind her and looked at her. If he were smart, he’d go for a run and get his wolf under control. But he wasn’t feeling smart. He wanted his mate, not to keep running away from her.
    And she wanted him. He could smell her desire from where he stood. Jarrod suppressed a groan.
    “Come here, baby,” he commanded.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing. Do as I say.”
    She moved the last couple of steps and cricked her neck to look up at him.
    He put his fingertips beneath her chin to keep her face where he could see it and where she couldn’t help but see him. “Are you scared of me?”
    The indignant look on her face almost made him chuckle. His feisty woman wouldn’t stand for that suggestion.
    “No,” she said. “Malcolm told me that you think that. But I’m not scared of you.”
    Reaching out slowly, so as not to startle her, he gripped her waist and slowly lifted her until she was at eye level with him. She gasped and placed her hands on his shoulders for balance. He could feel the heat of her hands through the thin cotton knit of his shirt and craved her touch on the whole of his naked body.
    “What…” she began to ask, but he ignored the question. Moving an arm, he placed it beneath her ass so she was supported by his forearm.
    “Wrap your legs around me,” he demanded and was pleased when she again did as requested. Then with slow deliberation he lowered his head until scant millimeters separated their lips. Her moist breath washed over him, and he groaned when his mouth finally connected with hers.
    One taste would never be enough. She tasted so sweet, and he wanted more of her delectable flavor. Slanting his mouth over hers, he pushed his way into her moist cavern. Tangling his tongue with hers, he groaned as her flavor