Free Betting the Moon: Cannon Pack, Book 4 by Beverly Rae

crush on his teacher. “What can I say? I found you interesting. Besides, your background told me a lot about you. Obviously, you’re giving and generous. I mean, how many people give thirty percent of their income to charity?”
    She bowed her head, unwilling to take the praise. “It’s a purely selfish move. I love helping people because it makes me feel good.”
    “Bullshit. You’re a good person, so own it.” He tugged her around, placing her back against his chest and sliding his arm under her breasts. “I also know you live modestly and not in a mansion.”
    “Why bother with a big house when I’m rarely home?”
    “You also like to go hiking and camping, which, in my book, puts you way out in front of anyone else.”
    “Okay, since you know so much about me, how about telling me something about yourself?”
    “What’s to tell? I was born a werewolf and I grew up with the Cannon Pack in the Colorado Mountains.”
    “Oh, come on. Like I said, I don’t know about werewolves, but I’m betting not many end up in a Las Vegas poker tournament.” She craned her neck to see him. “I’m right, aren’t I? If there were, I would’ve sensed they were special like I did with you. Or are there other supernatural beings I don’t know about? Ones I can’t sense. Worse things, maybe?” She felt his chuckle rumble into her back.
    “Worse things? Meaning werewolves are bad enough? Dang. What a dig.”
    “You know what I mean.”
    “Yeah, I know. Vamps.” He kissed the top of her head. “Naw. Or at least I haven’t run into anything else yet. I think most supernaturals are like werewolves. We tend to stick close to home and either stay in the mountains or work in one of the pack’s businesses in the city.”
    “Then how did you end up on the circuit?”
    “I wanted to do the lone-wolf routine for a while, then start my own pack. But I didn’t count on catching the gambling bug. Anyway, I got lucky because my alpha, Daniel Cannon, staked me in getting started as a professional player.”
    “For having turned professional a little over a year ago, you’re doing really well.”
    “Ah, so I’m not the only one who’s done a little Googling.”
    “Okay, I admit it. I’ve been tracking your progress, too. At least now I understand why I haven’t found much about your past or your personal life.” She had, in fact, been fascinated with his fast rise in the rankings. “So your pack’s okay with your profession? Especially since it puts you in the limelight?”
    “They’re used to me doing whatever the hell I want.”
    She waited, sensing there was more.
    “Actually, I’m the white wolf in my pack, which is like being the black sheep among humans.”
    “What does that mean? When you change, do you change into a white wolf?”
    “You got it.”
    She rolled over to face him. “Really? Isn’t that rare?” She studied him as though she could see the wolf beneath the human skin. “I’ve never seen a white wolf.” She watched, ready to see his reaction. “But I’d like to.”
    Tucker flipped her on her back, then pulled her hands above head, snaring her wrists in his large hands. Her heart pounded, and her breathing quickened. Amber flaked his eyes, and the tiniest bit of fang slipped over his lower lip.
    “Darlin’, be careful. You might just get your wish.”
    “I know what I’m asking.” Then realization struck, alarm stiffening her body. “At least, I think I do. You wouldn’t hurt me, would you?”
    His expression softened. “I could never hurt you. As a wolf or as a man.”
    The way he said it brought a lump to Mari’s throat. She knew she could trust him to keep her safe. Not just from him, but from everything. She sat up, pulling the sheet over her body. “Then do it. Let me see Tucker the white wolf.”
    He studied her, obviously trying to decide whether to do as she asked or not. “I don’t know if this is a good idea. I wouldn’t want to scare you off.”
    “You won’t.