What This Wolf Wants by Jennifer Dellerman Page B

unsuitable, albeit a jaw-dropping gorgeous man with a well-muscled body she itched to run her hands all over. Combine that with beautiful green eyes that threatened to melt her into a hormonal pool of goo and a scent that created erotic visions starring her tongue and every inch of his naked flesh at her mercy and it all added up to a heady mix.
    But those things were only physical. His cocky attitude was, as she mentally ticked off negatives, immature. He picked fights, which meant he was overly aggressive. And his job comprised of danger and death.
    So not on her Mr. Right list. As she’d flat out told him two days ago.
    She refused to think of his charming smile and quick wit. Or his expression when he changed from wolf to human and came face to face with his brother for the first time in over twenty-five years. The hope and joy that lit him from the inside out was a rare gift to witness.
    But sympathy only went so far. And the ache in her belly and heavy heat between her thighs that seemed to rob her of clarity wasn’t what she wanted, or needed.
    Liar.
    She grimaced at the internal reprimand as she unlocked the front door.
    Yeah, maybe she did want a mate. Okay. Yearned for one truth be told. Growing up knowing that only about fifty percent of shifters ever found their mates should have her jumping for joy that she was one of the lucky ones. Unfortunately, she just couldn’t get past Zan’s chosen career.
    What he did went against her professional and personal beliefs. While she understood the need for men and women to risk their own lives to save, protect and, should the situation call for it, terminate a life, she didn’t have to like it. And to give herself to a man who could so easily leave his mate time and time again to prove his strength and stealth to those who could never truly understand him would eventually tear her soul apart. Just as it did her aunt.
    Fierce arousal may have taken over her body, but she would be damned before she would let it take over her life.
    “It’s not going to control me,” she muttered, slamming the door behind her.
    “Something bothering you, angel?”
    Jackie jerked to full alert. If her brain hadn’t been so full of angry determination and senseless blame, she might have scented the man lounging carelessly on her couch before ever stepping foot inside the house. Instead she was taken by surprise, and an almost feral wave of longing. All the air in her lungs fled as the sight and smell of Zan flooded her senses.
    Slouched on her dark brown faux suede couch with his denim clad legs stretched out before him, Zan looked like a Greek god preparing for his rightful worship. And while he appeared at ease, Jackie knew that’s all it was. The near feral heat in his eyes seemed to strip her bare, the unwavering focus told of his predatory intent. One that involved her and the closest flat surface.
    That thought set her body on fire. Anticipation had her belly tremble, and her nipples harden. And while she might want him with a burning desire, she was more shocked by his presence in her home. “How did you get in here?”
    Sultry eyes raked her body. “Not only are your locks pathetic, I’m fantastic with my hands.”
    She was so not going there. Already too many erotic images were bombarding her brain. She needed to remain calm and get him the hell out of her sight before she gave in to her cravings and threw herself at his feet.
    Not trusting her mouth, she remained stiff and silent and glared at him.
    His mouth quirked. “I’m surprised you haven’t ask the next question. Aren’t you even curious as to why I’m here?”
    “Oh, I know why you’re here. Just like any other male, you’ve come sniffing around a female that interests you.” She saw his nostrils flare at that and could have smacked herself for blurting out the inflammatory comment. Especially when he growled low in his throat.
    “Not only do you interest me, intensely, but from the,” he paused, those