Free The Covert Wolf by Bonnie Vanak

quietly.
    “More than anything. I need my people. They’re all I’ve ever known. With them I’ll feel…”
    Connected.
    “Wolves aren’t so bad, either,” he murmured. Matt stroked a thumb along her jawline. “Draicon. No Fae could pull off that effective a glamour with scent, as well. I knew there was something sweet about your scent.”
    A half smile touched her mouth. “That’s my Fae half.”
    His gaze locked on her lips. “So sweet,” he murmured.
    He’d put his life before her own. Gotten burned, cushioned her fall, kept her safe. For so long, she’d functioned on her own, accustomed to fending for herself. Not one single Fae had risked his life for her.
    She thought about how much she wanted to draw close. Feel that tensile strength holding her close, the slight abrasion of his day whiskers against her soft cheek.
    As he leaned down to kiss her, Sienna closed her eyes.
    She sighed on a breath as his mouth met hers. It was a sweet kiss, his lips warm and soft. He was gentle, his mouth reverent as if he held back, waiting for her. All the other kisses from the few Fae males had been cold, lacking in passion and tenderness. Sienna wanted more. When she parted her lips and licked his mouth, he deepened the kiss. He tasted like the most exquisite wine, of moonlit nights and dazzling starlight. The kiss melted her bones and spoke of sheer need, a painful longing finally met.
    Her senses spun as he slid his arms about her waist. It was breathtaking and dizzying, searing her with wicked heat. Sienna clung to him, feeling the thick muscles of his wide shoulders, the sheer solidness of the man.
    She was hot, her clothing constricting her, needing to get bare, feel his skin warm and smooth against hers…needing more, needing his mouth against her body. Needing him to lay her on a soft, wide bed and take her as a man takes a woman.
    Sweet mercy.
    Alarmed, she pulled back, breathing hard. Surrendering to desire for him meant surrendering all hope of belonging to her colony. She couldn’t align herself with any wolf.
    Not even an honorable navy SEAL who’d risked his life for her.
    “Stop it. Leave me alone.” She pulled out of his arms.
    “Sienna, talk to me.”
    Shaking her head, she retreated into the bathroom. Sienna closed the door and leaned against it. Gods, what had she done? It should have been just a kiss.
    But it felt like so much more.

Chapter 5
    T he city of Santa Fe was pretty and artsy and normally Sienna would have enjoyed seeing the sights. But not now.
    Sienna paced the lobby of the elegant downtown hotel as Matt dealt with the front desk. Wide sofas with a taupe and sienna Indian print were scattered around the luxurious lobby. A distressed wood round table held a welcoming pitcher of fruit punch and crystal glasses. It was very upscale and luxurious.
    Something about this city, despite its charming, artistic flair, screamed danger. Beneath the exciting energy and charm, she sensed an undertone of unusual darkness. She couldn’t tell if it was real, or her imagination.
    Somehow, she was losing the Fae ability to sort truth from fiction. And if she lost that ability, what was next?
    The more time she spent with Matt, the less Fae she became. The flare of attraction between them proved too much. Too confusing. Too upsetting. Once she was inside her room, she’d change back to her Fae form.
    Sienna clenched her hands as Matt turned, swinging his heavy duffel bag over one shoulder and lifting her suitcase as if it weighed no more than a lunch box.
    “The key to my room, please.”
    He gave her a cool look. “We’re sharing.”
    Dumbfounded, she gaped at him.
    “I’ll take the sofa. I’ve slept in much worse.” He began climbing the stairs.
    She scurried after him. “I can’t stay with you.”
    “I warned you, no going solo. You’re sticking with me at all times.”
    Gritting her teeth, she waited until they ascended to the second floor. As he set the bags down and inserted the room