Free Deadly Seduction (Feral Protectors 3) by Liv Brywood Page B

use Gwen to satisfy his lust. His groin tightened until the length of his rigid flesh pressed up against his belly. As he slowly stroked the shaft, he pictured Gwen bound and spread wide. Oh yes, she deserved it. She’d been born to be a slave for someone like him. Zane knew it. That’s why he’d raped her. But the human had been careless and had let her escape. Mazus wouldn’t make the same mistake.
     

 
    Chapter 7
     
    Two days had passed since Gwen had kissed Nosh at the stream. She couldn’t stop staring at his unbelievably sexy body. As he waded into the Silver Creek River, sunlight glowed across his bronzed skin. She’d twisted his black hair into a long braid which fell halfway down his back. As he ducked under the water, she sighed. With each passing day, her time with him became more precious. She knew she wouldn’t stay with him forever. He’d be fully healed soon and she’d have to return to her den.
    Over the last few days, Nosh must have sensed her withdrawing from him. He’d become increasingly physical with her, offering to give her back rubs and foot massages. Whenever he focused his full attention on her, she couldn’t help but melt.
    She hadn’t had a nightmare in days. Maybe because she felt so safe lying next to him. Although she loved snuggling up against him at night, she knew she needed to pull back. She couldn’t afford to have a false sense of hope. She was here for a job and that was all.
    As Nosh rose from beneath the surface of the river, he grinned and splashed water at her. “What are you still doing out there? Come in. It feels amazing.”
    “In a minute.”
    “I’m holding you to it.”
    She couldn’t help but smile. She’d never met anyone who could be so playful and sweet in one moment and powerful the next. The way he worked out the squabbles between pack members showed her exactly why he’d become alpha. He deserved a worthy mate, someone with the same amount of strength and charisma. Someone who could be his equal. Someone other than her.
    Nosh yelled, “I’m going to come out there and get you if you don’t get in here soon.”
    “I’m coming.”
    She hurried along the sandy shore. As she splashed into the water, he swam to meet her.
    “I can’t remember the last time I felt this good,” he said.
    “Sunshine and fresh air does a lot to heal a person.”
    “And good company helps too.”
    As he moved to loop his hands around her waist, she swam away. She couldn’t keep falling into his arms. Eventually she’d have to leave, so why make it harder than it needed to be?
    He paddled behind her. “What’s wrong?”
    When she reached the far side of the river, she stopped. Years ago, a deep pool had formed near the bend in the river and the wolves used it as a swimming hole.
    He moved closer. “Is everything okay?”
    She leaned back until she floated on the surface of the water. “Fine.”
    “Are you sure? You seem… I don’t know… upset?”
    She rolled up and leaned against a bolder. “I was just thinking that you’re almost back to normal. We should start thinking about when I should leave.”
    He frowned. “Leave?”
    “Yes. We both knew I wasn’t going to stay forever.”
    “But I still need you.”
    “You’re able to walk now. Your arm is healed. I can’t do much more for you.”
    As he gazed into her eyes, her belly fluttered. God, what was it about him that made her want to cling to him and never let go?
    “I was hoping you might want to stay a few more days.”
    “I really should get back to the den. I haven’t heard any news from Akila about Diana and I want to make sure she’s okay.”
    “I can send someone to get an update.”
    He wasn’t making this easy. She couldn’t understand why. Well, if she really wanted to be honest, it might have something to do with the breathless kisses they’d shared.
    She said, “I guess I could stay a few more days.”
    A smile spread across his face. “Great.”
    He floated closer and