Free Cougar's Luck (Pacific Northwest Cougars Book 2) by Moxie North Page A

that savory, sweet smell from before, but now mixed with cougar.
    Little did she know that across the valley were Everett and his cougar who were both sniffing into the wind. The scent was of perfume, nice perfume that wasn’t overpowering. The kind that you had to get really close to a woman to even smell. There was also something else. Something neither could put their finger or paw on.
    Everett’s cougar opened his mouth and scented again, letting it roll over his tongue. It was making him crazy. They had to find out who it was. The cougar took off in the direction of the scent, running as fast as it could.
    About halfway through the valley, Everett saw the reflection of another pair of cougar eyes running towards him. The moonlight causing the eyes to glow in the distance. The other animal was running straight towards them. Interesting.
    As they came within a few feet of one another, Everett’s animal put on the brakes and skidded to a halt. The other animal did the same. They both stared at each other. Eyes locked, flashing, and pulsating a message as old as time.
    Everett was staring at his mate. The second the thought went through his head, his cougar threw back his head and let out a ferocious roar. The sound echoed through the valley.
    Layla was hyperventilating, her mate was sitting across from her and he was huge, and he was roaring, and he was hers. Her mate, her One, he was real. Her cougar was being patient waiting for the male to stop his declaration.
    When he did, her cat let out a loud purr that rolled between then. She took a step closer, then another until they were almost nose to nose. She purred loudly again, then bumped her head under his chin.
    Everett was spinning, his mate just touched him. It was really happening. His heart was bursting, he couldn’t believe it. A Klein pack member was his mate. All these years his mother had been sending the wrong son.
    His cougar rubbed back at his mate. First over her head, then he circled around her, brushing his head against her fur. Marking her with his scent and making sure her beautiful scent was on him. The female waited like she knew he needed to do this. Once he’d made a full circle he rubbed his nose against her face again. Desperate to be close to her.
    Everett told his cat, he had to let him take over. They had to talk to her. His cat reluctantly agreed. Taking a few steps back, he watched her do the same.
    His cat fought him the slightest bit before letting Everett roll back into his skin. He straightened and waited as the cougar across from him watched.
    Layla and her cat were mesmerized by a very naked Everett Hayes standing in front of them. He was more handsome than she could have imagined. Her sneak peek the other night did not do him justice. He was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen, and he was hers.
    Telling her cat they’d stared enough, she push back through her animal’s fur and stood up before her mate and watched as recognition flared in his eyes.
    “Holy shit,” Everett blurted.
    Layla raised her eyebrow at him.
    Everett realized what he’d said and had the good grace to blush. Stepping towards her, he stopped when he was close enough she had to tip her head up to see him. He brought one hand up to her face, cupping her cheek.
    “Layla Klein,” he whispered.
    “Everett Hayes,” she replied.
    “Mine,” he growled.
    “Mine,” she growled back.
    They stared at each other. Then Layla leaned forward and touched her lips to his. He opened his mouth and took her in a deep, searing kiss. Layla didn’t even try to battle for control. Everett was masterful as he tasted and plundered her mouth.
    Layla’s only thoughts were of his mouth, how good he tasted. His scent filling her nose, washing over her. It was better than cologne, it was man. Normally her mind would be racing to figure out the logistics of mating. There would be parties and planning. Someone would have to move, decisions would need to be made. Instead, she was