expression of astonishment on his handsome face.
Oh crap. She closed her eyes.
The wolves had chased her into the enemyâs lair. Right into Jarrett Lawsonâs bedroom.
Chapter Two
Jarrett Lawson had been poring over paperwork, idly wishing someone would interrupt him.
Now he glanced downward at the gray timber wolf at his feet. She panted with obvious exhaustion.
Not exactly what heâd planned.
He breathed in her luscious scent and the smell of sweet wildflowers shot through his body like an intoxicating drug. Damn, he knew this⦠His body tightened with arousal. Then he looked closer. Anger bloomed hot and hard as he saw blood matting her gray fur, the fear pooling in her gray eyes.
No one hurt females on his land. Females were revered, protected and cherished. Jarrett felt his claws emerge, ready to deal with whoever had injured her.
Six of his strongest males padded into his bedroom. One pawed at the floor, lifting his muzzle with a grin.
âPleased with yourself, Sam? Tell me what the hellâs going on here.â
The males shifted back, clothing their bodies through magick. His Beta nodded at the female.
âWe brought you a gift. Found her snooping along the old mining trail.â
The wolf whined. Lifting her head, she stared, weakly thumping her tail. She tried to struggle upright and collapsed. Jarrett rested a hand on her head.
He glared at the six, who lowered their gazes. âWho did this?â
âShe slid down the mountain. We didnât touch her.â Sam gave a knowing smile. âSaved her for you, Jarrett.â
He turned his attention to the injured wolf. âEasy now. Save your strength to shift back. Can you do that for me?â
He kept his voice low and soothing. Jarrett encouraged her as she tried to shift back, her form shimmering between wolf and human. His mouth went dry as he envisioned her stuck between two forms, the worst death for his people.
âCome on,â he coaxed. âYou can do it.â
Then he deepened his voice. âDo it. Now.â
The wolfâs head snapped up, defiance in her clear blue eyes. Light shimmered and suddenly a naked, shivering woman appeared. Curls the color of autumn leaves shielded her face, spilling past slender shoulders. She hung her head, as if hiding. With one hand, Jarrett lifted the curtain of her hair.
Shock pummeled him as she raised her chin.
Long, slender legs, curved hips and a slim waist, full breasts that could fill a manâs palms. Her skin looked soft as peach fuzz. Elegant and delicate features, she had a full, lush red mouth made for kissing. Her eyes were the deepest blue, and sparked with life.
The tips of her ears were slightly pointed.
âAriel?â Jarrett felt the ice surrounding his heart crack a little. His pulse beat harder. âItâs been a long time.â
Was that his voice, growing husky with old longing? Remembering the innocence of those times theyâd shared, before heâd grown hardened and cold?
Sam cleared his throat. âWe brought her to you, Jarrett. We knew how youâd felt about her, before you got matedâ¦â
His Betaâs voice trailed off. Knifelike pain sank into Jarrettâs chest. Ariel gave him a questioning look. âYou have a mate?â
âHer name was Chloe. She died in a fight with jaguars a few years ago,â Jarrett told her.
Arielâs eyes grew a deeper shade of blue. That Fae quality, the ability to sense emotions, even tough ones heâd successfully masked. She touched his cheek. The contact trebled his pulse.
âSo much pain. So much sadness in your eyes.â
Sadness? Hell, it wasnât sadness. It was a cold tomb encasing him since heâd held Chloeâs bloodied body in his arms, begging her to live for him, for their unborn child.
Then watching the light fade from her eyes.
Claws dug into his heart. Not guilt. His guilt was gone and buried in the ground with Chloe.
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