yard, a magnificent silver wolf gleaming in the bright, full moonlight. Alone.
She’d never let him get close to her when she was in her wolf form, no matter how many times he’d hinted at it. If she spotted his car cruising by, she raced into the trees behind the cottages. No matter how long he waited, she wouldn’t emerge. Yet here she was tonight, knowing full well he was sitting there hoping to catch a glimpse of her. And she hadn’t moved. Hadn’t cut and run.
Very quietly, he opened the car door, closing it behind him and walking toward her with slow, careful steps.
Please don’t run. Please, please, stay where you are.
As if she heard his silent prayer, she remained motionless, watching him. As he drew closer, he could see the moon reflected in her warm amber eyes and would have sworn she was smiling at him.
He stopped about two feet away, not sure what to do next. Forcing himself to stay completely still, he breathed slowly even as his heartbeat ratcheted up. The next move was up to her.
Finally, when the tension was thick enough to cut, she ambled toward him, stopping directly in front of him and nudging his hand with her head. He slid his fingers through the magnificent silver coat that felt as soft as the finest silk. Electric thrills speared the length of his arm and shot through his body.
She nudged at him again then lowered her head and pressed her nose to his crotch. Her long, pink tongue snaked out and licked the length of his fly. Sweat broke out on his body as his cock leaped to life in response.
He threaded both hands through her coat, holding her head, lifting it slightly so he could lock his gaze with hers.
“I want you,” he said hoarsely. “You have no idea how badly I want to make love to you, Liana. Right now.”
She shook her head and slipped from his grasp, backing up two steps.
“No.” He reached out a hand. “Don’t run away from me. I know who and what you are, and it’s fine with me. Look at Jesse and Alexa. They made it work.”
Jesse and Alexa? Was his mind telling him he wanted the same kind of relationship with Liana? Holy shit! Was this what he’d been building up to? Could she handle that? Could he?
“Stop,” he commanded, when she took another step backwards. “Please. You’ll never know what we could have if you don’t give it a chance.”
He held his breath for what seemed an eternity. Then streaks of light shimmered in front of him, faint at first like streamers of golden tinsel that danced as if coaxed by a gentle breeze. They seemed to surround Liana, wrapping around her like a fairy cloak until they exploded into a thick cloud of stars. For a moment, Liana was obscured. When they faded away, she stood before him, completely naked, completely glorious. And thoroughly tempting.
His cock was so hard it threatened to rip through the fabric of his jeans. He took a deep breath to steady himself, gain some measure of control, and held out a hand to her.
“You are so beautiful,” he murmured. “I have to touch you. Please.”
One step at a time, her eyes reading his, she walked forward until she could touch his hand. He closed his fingers around hers and tugged her closer.
“I see you every night,” she told him. “I thought for sure you’d get tired of it. Give up.”
“You’re worth waiting for.” He looked down at her. “I’ve waited a long time for this, Liana. I want to kiss you. Is that all right?”
He wanted to yank her into his arms, but he didn’t want to frighten her, either.
She tilted her head. “You don’t mind kissing a wolf?”
“I’m kissing Liana,” he told her. “Whatever form you’re in.”
She breathed a soft sigh and moved into the circle of his arms. Her skin was so soft beneath his hands, like spun silk, her lips the same. He tried to make the kiss gentle, but one touch and heat consumed him like a flash fire. His tongue traced the seam of her lips, and when she opened for him, he thrust inside, ready to
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