Big Bad Wolf

Deb Curwen

Big Bad Wolf Deb Curwen

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Big Bad Wolf

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language. This material is meant for mature audiences!

Copyright ©2005 Debra D. Curwen

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Deb Curwen Cover illustration copyright © 2005 Patricia Foltz ISBN Not Assigned All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system-except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Web-without permission in writing from the publisher. All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention. Published by: Whispers, 107 Clearview Circle, Goose Creek, SC 29445 Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following trademarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Blair Witch Project: Artisan Entertainment Inc., 2700 Colorado Avenue, 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90404 Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo: Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc., 4000 Warner Blvd. Burbank, CA 91522 Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View CA 94043

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Chapter One This curse I heap upon your head and so shall others see At dawn a manly shape you’ll take, at midnight a wolf you’ll be Within the trials of this curse I place, you never shall be whole Until thy true love you will find and possess her body, heart, and soul. He knew she would come. He had waited a long time for her, pictured her, imagined her, spent many long, unending days that stretched into even more lonely, unfulfilled nights. But he never despaired. Not when he had been promised a life and a love to last for all eternity. He had never been given her name, seen her face, heard her voice. But sometimes a dream, sometimes an instinct born of his kind assured him she would soon arrive to free him from his torment. No longer would he roam the dark forest hungry, seeking, searching not for food, but for his mate, his destiny. Last night he had dreamed again. And when the morning skies opened up, he knew. Finally, she had come. Her scent, fresh, tantalizing, had drifted in with the aftermath of the storm, searing his senses, fueling the fires within him. For two days now he had watched her from a distance, careful she didn’t see him and be afraid. He didn’t want to frighten her. And yet, he knew she would be because she wouldn’t understand. How could

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she when she knew nothing of the curse? A curse that had been handed down over two hundred years ago. Many lifetimes ago. But as the saying went, life begins anew for those who believe, and he believed. In her. Time. He would need it to earn her trust, to reassure her he meant no harm. Patience always came easily to him. But having finally seen her, he knew a restlessness he had never experienced before. How could he have known what a stunner she would be? He had been promised a woman of beauty with a kind heart and sensual nature, one who equaled the charms of those who had chosen his brothers. But this one surpassed his wildest imagination. Never had he seen a woman so perfectly created. Even from his hiding place, his keen eyesight drank in her luminous skin, the thick, sooty lashes, and finely arched eyebrows, her eyes an amazing blend of blues and violets that would rival next summer’s spiderwort. And when she laughed, she touched his heart in a way no other had succeeded before her. Just the sound of her voice intrigued him, a sexy, inviting sound that revealed her true nature, that of a woman on the brink of sensual discovery. God, how sweet it would be when they first mated. And he would have her. It would be his right but her choice. He had to be her choice. And when she did choose him, how he would make her scream with his possession, purr with his protection. But above all, she would know she belonged to him and no other. Just a moment longer he would wait. Maybe a day, 6

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maybe a fortnight. But soon. He would know when the time was right. For now, he would give her this time to settle into her new home and get comfortable with her surroundings. He wanted her happy, content with the new life she had chosen for herself. And if she didn’t have inner fulfillment, if she hadn’t yet experienced all that passion and her sensuality entailed, she would soon with his help, his skill, and most of all his love. Their time had finally come. *** “So how’s Little Red Riding Hood this evening? Baked any cookies to take to Grandmother’s house?” McKenzi Towers cradled the phone beneath her left ear and chuckled into the receiver. “Hi, Steph. You’re in good spirits.” She lifted a stack of books from a cardboard box and set them on the table along with several of her other favorite books. “Or is that envy I hear because I finally broke away from the big, bad city?” Stephanie Ryan laughed at the other end. “You forget, Mac. I love the city. The traffic, the pushy pedestrians, and wacky cab drivers, the smoke and the fog. I don’t even mind it anymore when old man Snyder’s bulldog tries to hike his leg on me every time I go for my morning jog. I’m a city girl, born and bred, and proud of it. You’re the one who wanted to move into God’s country, but after hearing you describe this place, I’m picturing Ma Ingalls trapped in the Blair Witch Project.” McKenzi mentally pictured the rolling brook within view of her doorstep, the plush greenery, and wonders

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of nature surrounding her new home. “You’ll change your mind when you visit. It’s beautiful here.” Stephanie wasn’t swayed. “Just tell me you’ll be back when you’ve come to your senses.” After having spent the last two days unpacking and with little sleep or food to fortify her, McKenzi sighed deeply and decided she had earned a break. Finding a comfortable spot on the couch, she tucked her legs beneath her and turned her full attention to her best friend calling from Washington, D.C. She leaned her head back and stared at the ceiling, absently noting it could use a coat of paint. “Tell you I’ll be back?” She repeated the words not as a promise but more as a revelation that she most probably would not be going back. “You know how much I’ve always wanted to live in a small town. Finding this cottage was a dream come true for me.” “Sounds to me like you’re out in the middle of nowhere. You said yourself there’s not another house for miles.” “Just one of the perks.” “But it must get creepy with nothing around but dark woods and things that go bump in the night. I get spooked just thinking about it.” “Hadn’t really thought about it,” McKenzi responded with a note of surprise. “I’ve kept myself busy so I can get back to my laptop once everything’s in place around here. I’ve got an idea for a new book, and I want to get on it at least by Friday.” She laughed suddenly. “I know what your problem is. You miss me.” “Of course I miss you. But I’m also pissed that you 8

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sublet your apartment to a couple of Trump wannabes. Joey-boy’s about as uptight and obnoxious as they come, and if his prissy wife thumbs that pug nose at me one more time, I swear I won’t be held accountable for my actions.” Joe and Nola Swank. McKenzi’s new tenants. Though she secretly agreed with Stephanie’s dead-on description of the couple, she attempted to placate the situation with a not so subtle guilt trip. “Steph, please promise me you’ll behave. The last thing I need is to have them break their lease. My last royalty check won’t last forever. Soon I’ll need the cash flow.” Stephanie offered no crumb of compassion. “Right now this is about me. With you gone, who am I supposed to run to in the middle of the night when I need a shoulder to cry on and a pint of mint chip ice cream to wash down the self-pity? You’re the only friend I have who can bring me back from the brink of despair every time my date turns out to be another loser, of which there have been many, I might add.” McKenzi scoffed. “I wish I had a tenth of your backbone and sass. If your dates are losers, it’s because you intimidate them to the point they turn tail and run. And frankly, not having to buy your ice cream any more is money in the bank. So quit giving me a hard time, and let me enjoy my little fantasy.” “Fantasy, my ass. Those romances you write are the closest you’re ever going to get to fantasy in this lifetime. Face it, girl. We may both be gorgeous, successful, and available, but neither one of us has had much luck in the romance department. I like to think

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the love of my life is just waiting to jump into the next cab with me, but your chances of finding Mr. Right with a ribbon tied around the old oak tree are slim at best.” “I love that song.” The tune danced inside McKenzi’s head as she purposely evaded Stephanie’s words of doom. “Promise me you’ll keep your senses alert to danger and your mind open to coming back to the land of the living.” “You sound like my mother. Rest assured I’m in no danger.” McKenzi stretched her legs out and crossed her ankles on the edge of the coffee table. She sighed. Her French pedicure needed a makeover. “Would it make you feel better if I bar the windows and doors and stock the kitchen and cupboards with enough food and necessities to keep me housebound for at least six months?” Stephanie’s persistence grew. “Don’t think because you’re holed up in some quaint gingerbread cottage that no harm can befall you.” The notion made McKenzi chuckle. “I think you’re confusing your fairy tales, but I appreciate the friendly concern. And you’re just a phone call away if I need you.” “A lot of good I can do eight hours away. Is there a ranger station nearby? Or at least a rescue post of some sort?” “No, but I think I saw Smokey the Bear scoping the area with Yogi and Boo Boo.” “Ha ha. Make fun of me all you want, but I won’t stop worrying about you.” After a moment of silence, 10

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Stephanie acquiesced and simply changed the subject. “So what’s the new book about? Or is it a secret?” This time silence emanated from McKenzi’s end. She scrunched her face. “To you and me both. I’m afraid my great idea is just wishful thinking on my part. I just need some time to get moved in and adjust to my new surroundings. By Friday I hope to be back on track and ready to burn up the pages.” “Too bad you don’t have a man around for those cold winter nights looming just around the corner.” McKenzi was undeterred. “I don’t need hot sex to write hot sex. I have my toys and plenty of batteries as well as my imagination. And it hasn’t been that long since Alex and I ended our relationship. The sex was decent up until we mutually decided we weren’t going anywhere. I doubt I’ll shrivel up any time soon.” “Decent sex? What the hell is that? If that’s all Alex was capable of, then you’ve wasted the last two years of your life.” “Alex and I had some good times. We simply weren’t compatible in all the ways two people should be. Leave it at that. At least we parted friends.” McKenzi stifled a yawn and swung her feet to the floor. “I think I’ve lost my momentum to do any more unpacking tonight. I’ll call you over the weekend to let you know I haven’t been eaten up by the big, bad wolf. Fair enough?” “Okay, but if I don’t hear from you by Sunday night, I’ll call you. Count on it.” McKenzi hung up the receiver and knotted her hands in her hair. She took a moment to view her

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surroundings. Notwithstanding Stephanie’s disapproval, she momentarily questioned her decision to have made such a drastic life change. Most of her thirty years had been spent living in the hectic city, and she already missed her fourth floor walk up and the cramped corner of her bedroom where she had penned a number of moderately successful paranormal romances. It had taken five long years to get her first book published while working as a paralegal during the day, and the last two books had earned enough income to allow her to purchase her dream cottage far removed from Stephanie’s beloved city. Yes, she was out in the middle of nowhere with no signs of life beyond the furry friends of the forest, but for reasons she couldn’t fathom, she felt strangely protected, almost as though something or someone watched over her to keep her safe from harm. “Let’s just hope whoever it is, he’s a sight better looking than Yogi.” Finally acknowledging the grumbling in her stomach, but deciding it was too late for a meal, McKenzi padded barefoot to the kitchen and settled for an apple. She headed to the bathroom and turned on the taps to the old, but well-preserved clawfoot tub. Definitely just one of the charms that had sold her on her new lifestyle. While the water ran, she examined her reflection in the mirror in between bites of her impromptu dinner. God, she looked tired. Faint circles beneath her eyes revealed her lack of sleep and with tendrils of hair escaping the clip holding it in place, she didn’t exactly define Stephanie’s idea of gorgeous. She didn’t even 12

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consider herself particularly pretty. Above average maybe with healthy, blonde hair brushing her shoulders. She studied her profile, deciding she liked the slight tilt of her nose and the structure of her cheekbones. And she had a kissable mouth. Or at least more than one man had told her so on occasion. She swallowed one last bite of her apple and tossed the remains in the trash can. Pulling her sweater over her head, she unclasped the front of her bra and let it fall to the floor. Nature hadn’t exactly made her bodacious, but at least her boobs didn’t sag, and her nipples were pert, pretty, and pink. Again, so she’d been told. Stripping herself of her jeans, she kicked them aside before eyeing her waist and hips. Thank God good genes ran in her family, although regular sessions on her treadmill seemed to be helping in slowing down the effects of gravity. With her back to the mirror, she looked over her shoulder and grinned at her ass. Definitely her sexiest feature. And the silky white thong clearly accentuated her curvy assets. She slipped off the tiny confection and tossed it on top of her jeans. Having anticipated a hot bath would end her day nicely, she set the mood by lighting several candles and adjusting her CD player’s volume to a collection of romantic tunes perfect for soothing one’s mind and body. She readjusted the clip binding her hair and turned off the water before slipping down into the steaming bath. The cocoon of warmth brought a deep sigh of contentment from her lips, and she leaned her head

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back and closed her eyes to savor the blissful assault on her torso and limbs. Too bad you don’t have a man around for those cold winter nights looming just around the corner. Stephanie’s words, first a taunt, now became a challenge. An old-fashioned tub, soft music, candlelight, and a healthy attitude. Sure a man would be nice to add to the play list, but when one wasn’t readily available, a girl simply had to take matters into her own hands. She relaxed her shoulders and let her mind start to drift in no particular direction. It simply felt good to let the warm water soak into and pamper every pore in her skin. As her mind wandered, she thought of Alex with his thin, wiry body and the shock of blond hair that often reminded her of a little boy’s unruly cut. She had liked Alex for his easy demeanor and biting sense of humor, but her initial attraction to him had never escalated beyond casual friendship. Once they both realized the relationship was never going to jump off the charts for either one of them, it hadn’t been difficult to end on a civil note. More surprising was how quickly she had been able to relegate him to her memory bank of ex-boyfriends who didn’t make the cut. So with Alex gone, McKenzi conjured up the face of a man she intended to create in her next book. She had already decided to make him the polar opposite of Alex. He’d have jet black hair with features more rugged than classically handsome. No pretty boy types for her. Her heroes usually possessed dark, smoldering eyes, but this time she thought ice blue eyes or perhaps an unusual 14

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shade of green would be a nice touch. He’d also have a strong forehead, chiseled cheekbones, and a smile that could make a woman cream just knowing it was intended for her and her alone. And his body. Oh yes, she chuckled softly to herself. The body. Tall, muscular, bronzed, and hung like the proverbial stallion. Definitely a man created solely by the stroke of a key and like no one she had ever known. But like she told Stephanie, she had plenty of imagination and she used it now to join her fantasy lover in the tub with her. Just thinking about him was enough to send her heart racing and her pussy tingling for all the wicked things he could do to her. Seduced by the music and her erotic images, McKenzi kept her eyes closed and concentrated on the needs of her body now screaming to be assuaged. She smoothed her fingers down the length of her throat and chest to begin a gentle massage of her breasts with leisurely strokes. She liked her breasts. Not too big, not too small. A perfect fit for the right man’s hands. A sigh of longing escaped her as she rolled each nipple between the pads of her fingers, squeezing them with just enough pressure to keep the sensations pleasurable. With deliberate slowness, and still entertaining arousing images of a nameless lover as he watched her pleasure herself, she splayed her fingers across her belly and drew little circles along her skin and around her belly button. She could feel herself getting turned on more and more as little by little, she inched closer to that delicious throbbing between her legs.

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When she opened her thighs wide, McKenzi sucked in a breath of sweet anticipation. She relished the delight of teasing herself to the point of frustration. Her clit quivered for contact, but still she hovered around her playground with soft strokes up and down her thighs and all around her feminine folds. A torrid image of her lover’s mouth swooping down to feast on her juices was all it took to make herself lose patience. To hell with prolonging her pleasure. She forgot all about relaxing and enjoying the moment. She needed release now. She raised her knees higher and wider, the rush of warm water against her pussy just another stab of sweet torment. But it was the first contact of her fingers on her swollen clit that sent her back arching and her breath escaping on a sob of pure need. Never one to deprive herself, she delved her fingers deep inside herself to begin the age-old dance of selfgratification. She started slowly at first, now not wanting to hasten the moment. It was after all a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. But God, it had been weeks since she and Alex had made love. He was just a memory now, and finishing up her latest novel coupled with the move to the cottage, had left her with little time to take care of her needs. Hell. I need this to be quick. And I’m not about to leave this heavenly warmth to go digging for my dildo. Maybe Stephanie was right about Alex. Simply having decent sex with a man wasn’t enough, but neither Alex nor the few men she’d been with before 16

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him had ever given her a mind-blowing, I-saw-the-stars orgasm, so tonight, she depended on her own talents. At least she knew just where she liked to be touched and with what amount of pressure. Soon a low gurgle in the back of her throat grew into a fevered pitch as her muscles clenched and her legs quivered all the way to her toes. When she couldn’t hold back any longer, her fingers quickened their pace, and her head fell backward as she embraced each delicious wave of pleasure that washed over her. Her climax was quick, but intense, and within minutes she was floating through that magical abyss of weightlessness and cruising back to earth feeling, if not completely fulfilled, then at least replete. She relaxed back against the tub with a sigh and let her arms rest aimlessly at her sides. Just a few more minutes of soaking, then she’d take a hot shower, climb into bed, and maybe use that dildo after all. “And Stephanie worries that I can’t take care of myself.” *** The wolf circled the cabin, sniffing and inhaling the scent of woman as soft cries of fulfillment filled the air around him. Hearing her satisfy herself excited him beyond measure. She was a creature of passion, just as he had known she would be. But one who hadn’t even begun to tap the depths of her sexuality. She had no idea what lay in store for her over the next few days, and he wanted to lash out at the injustice, the cruelty of a curse that kept his lover so close, yet so far. He knew precisely the moment of her release. The

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need to reach out and touch her nearly crippled him. He could have heightened her pleasure tenfold. Would have transported her to a world of such intense sensual fulfillment that only he could give her. His hunger for her ignited in the pit of his stomach, growing stronger with each step that took him closer to her front door. Soon. Soon they would be lovers, and she would know what it meant to be a woman, his woman, in every sense of the word. His tail wagged, his ears stood straight, but he made no sound. He simply stared, focused, and waited.

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Chapter Two McKenzi crawled between the sheets with a satisfied smile. A man, indeed. No reason to think she wouldn’t sleep like a baby tonight. Though on second thought, even she had to admit it would be so much more enjoyable to have a man’s arms around her while she drifted off to Neverland. Maybe Alex hadn’t been the most imaginative lover in the world, but his arms and warmth had felt pretty damn good after a long day. So I’ll snuggle my pillow instead. She settled her cheek against the cool cotton and mentally checked off items on her to-do list she hoped to accomplish tomorrow. She had barely closed her eyes when a strange noise startled her. Lifting her head, she glanced quickly around the room, but everything seemed in place. It was probably a branch hitting her window. She remembered the wind had started to pick up earlier. Maybe a storm was brewing. She always slept like a baby through storms. Relaxing again, she curled up into her favorite fetal position. Damn. There it was again. This time she sat straight up in bed and listened intently. The noise definitely came from the living room. If she didn’t know better, it was coming from outside her front door! Someone is scratching at my door! This can’t be good. Fear clogged her throat as her writer’s sense of

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drama conjured up a trailer of every horror movie she’d ever seen. The scratching grew louder, more persistent. She forced her feet to the floor, somehow managing to put one in front of the other while she scooped up the first possible weapon she could find. “You wanted this,” she painfully reminded herself. One hand reached for the doorknob while the other lifted the slugger baseball bat. And to think she had teased Stephanie for giving it to her in the first place. “Stop acting like a baby and answer the door.” Brave words. Why hadn’t she taken those kickboxing lessons before leaving the city? Too late now. She took a deep breath, unlocked the deadbolt, and opened the door enough to peek through the crack. A strong wind rustled, unexpectedly tossing her head back for a moment, but her vision cleared and relief washed through her to see only the backdrop of the forest. The dark, menacing forest while a full moon merely emphasized the eerie feeling piercing her insides. “It was just the wind, you sissy. There’s no one around for miles.” McKenzi shook her head for being so fanciful. Feeling somewhat better, she attempted to close the door again, but something prevented success. It took less than a second for her eyes to connect with the ground, and the next sound she heard was a piercing scream. Hers. She dropped the bat at her feet and froze where she stood, fully expecting the beast to bare its teeth and lunge for her throat. She was certain death was imminent, and she hadn’t even had time to finish 20

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unpacking. Seconds seemed to tick into hours, and yet she was powerless to move. Her feet were bolted to the floor while every hair on her body stood at attention. A slight movement from the beast nearly ripped her heart from her chest, but she stared in amazement when her uninvited guest simply laid its head on its paws and stared up at her through eyes an amazing shade of green. A green-eyed wolf? She’d never heard of one. But then, what the hell did she know about wolves to begin with? Though she did remember reading somewhere that wild wolves normally did not attack people. Or was that wishful thinking on her part? One thing she was certain of, wolves of any kind didn’t normally come knocking on someone’s door, either. She opened the door wider and took a cautious step forward. She swore she heard a moan escape through its teeth. “Jesus. You’ve got sixty pounds on me and jaws that could swallow me whole. What the hell are you whimpering about?” Hysterical laughter threatened to erupt, and yet she felt drawn to the animal’s obvious plight. Wolves were predators, attackers. Didn’t they pounce on weaker prey and walk away licking their chops? She certainly didn’t need anyone pointing out which one was the weaker prey. The wolf had to be at least a hundred and eighty pounds or close to it with razor sharp claws. She should have been hamburger by now, and yet he continued to

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lie there unmoving while those haunting eyes stared at her as if pleading with her in some way. Maybe it was all an act. Maybe this particular wolf had a sick sense of humor and was simply lulling her into a false sense of security. Her eyes targeted the baseball bat lying at her feet, and she wondered if she could act fast enough to retrieve it and start beating him over the head before he knew what hit him. She didn’t have a chance when she heard a second moan, one more plaintive than the first. Maybe he was hurt. The thought hadn’t occurred to her until now. It could be why he wasn’t dragging her remains into the woods. She swallowed hard before giving into a crazy impulse to get down on the wolf’s level. She managed to keep a safe distance, if one could call two feet a safe distance. Another gust of wind blew into the room, penetrating the light gown she wore. She instinctively folded her arms across her chest and shivered. “Listen buddy, it’s getting colder, and I’m at a loss here. I’ve never had a wolf literally lying in my doorway before. I’ve dated plenty of them and kicked a few to the curb, but you’re a whole different ball game.” She shifted nervously when the animal inched closer toward her. “I can’t figure out if you’re harmless or just waiting for the perfect moment to sink those daggers you call teeth into me.” She paused, wondering at her own sanity. “I have this completely insane notion that you need me. If I thought I wouldn’t lose my hand and pull back a bloody stump, I’d touch you to see if you’re hurt or bleeding somewhere.” 22

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The beast moaned yet again, and for the first time McKenzi looked directly into the green eyes without wavering. What she saw made her draw back in surprise. And wonder. Her womanly instincts told her he was communicating with her. It sounded ridiculous even to her own ears. He was telling her it was okay to touch him, maybe even begging her to do so. Still heavily on the defensive side, McKenzi reached out one hand and tentatively touched his head. His fur was thick and coarse, but surprisingly warm, and for the first time, she noticed it was a beautiful shade of tawny brown with conflicting specks of black, white, and gold. With a start, she thought him beautiful. A magnificent specimen of the wild. Even more stunning was the realization that her fear of him wasn’t quite as keen as before. She couldn’t explain her growing sense of calm. Stephanie would most assuredly label it temporary insanity. But she found she enjoyed the feel of his hair beneath her fingers, and she was brazen enough to rub behind his ears the way she did with her brother’s twin Labs. “Have I made my first friend here in the woods?” McKenzi couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth, nor when she leaned in closer and used both hands to cup the giant furry face. “Are you the protector I’ve been sensing has been watching over me?” Suddenly the beast reared up on all four legs and let out a soulful howl that made McKenzi’s blood run cold. She fell backward and screamed in terror. He had

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been playing a trick on her, and now she was about to become his evening meal. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes, not wanting to witness her own demise. But the wolf simply turned and ran back into the night, disappearing within seconds. Stunned, McKenzi touched her fingers to her face which she was sure was frozen into a mask of horror and disbelief. And the realization she had probably just escaped with her life was sharp enough to make her jump up and slam the door shut. Her fingers raced to lock the dead bolt, and she leaned back against the wooden frame to take in great gulps of air. What the hell had just happened? Maybe she was sleep-walking. Maybe Stephanie’s warnings of the evils of the forest had gotten the best of her, and she was still in the middle of a bad dream. Somehow she didn’t think so. What just happened was real. Her entire body shivered from the cold, and the scent of the wolf was all over her hands. What was she going to do? Furthermore, who the hell in their right mind would believe her? *** The wolf’s strong legs carried him deeper and further into the forest until he leapt upon a giant rock to await the transformation. Against the backdrop of a full moon dominating a gray, starless sky, he waited patiently for the first break of dawn, then braced himself as his long, starved body stretched and contorted with agonizing speed. That he could transform slowly wasn’t to be, and he endured each prolonged shedding of his skin like a centuries old 24

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mummy being released from an underground tomb. Time wasn’t kind, and yet he relished each second of torture, content in the knowledge that soon the curse would be lifted, if only for a short time. She had touched him. She had actually reached out a kind hand and offered him comfort, even in the face of her own fears. She didn’t know it, but her first acceptance of him was all he had needed to initiate breaking the curse. And knowing this was only the beginning brought renewed strength and determination until finally he stood on two legs. Legs that were weak and shaky from not having been used in two hundred years. But he gloried in his long awaited freedom, and this time the howl leaving his throat was one of a man on the verge of rebirth. He stretched his arms wide and laughed at the moon. His eyes and ears drank in the sights and smells of the forest, and his heart pumped with excitement and expectations. He had come out of the darkness. Soon there would be light. And her name was McKenzi.

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Chapter Three “Hello.” The sound of a human voice from behind was the last thing she expected. McKenzi swung around with such force her backside connected sharply with a very unforgiving ground. Her feet flew up in the air, and the flowers she held in one hand scattered all around her. Thank God she had had the foresight to put on a pair of jeans, sweater, and sneakers instead of traipsing outside barefoot in her robe. With no bra and panties on, she would definitely have given her unexpected audience a peep show. The early morning sun nearly blinded her as she braced a hand over her eyes to peer upward. The tongue-lashing she was about to give died a quick death on her lips. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Allow me to help you up.” It was all she could do to keep from rubbing her eye sockets, and she prayed there wasn’t saliva dribbling out of the corner of her mouth. The man was gorgeous! Drop dead gorgeous in the same league with Brad Pitt and George Clooney. And with the sexiest stubble she’d ever seen. He looked like he hadn’t shaven in a day or two, and coupled with his dark hair and eyes greener than her favorite angora sweater, she wanted to throw herself into his arms right 26

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there in the daisies. She continued staring with her mouth open, but the hand he held out to her reacted on its own, and the next thing she knew he pulled her to her feet. He easily stood a head taller than she, and his hands immediately bracketed his hips as he burst out laughing. “Either you’re a beautiful wood nymph who doesn’t speak, or you can’t think of a horrible enough name to call me for sneaking up on you.” He scratched the side of his nose and grinned. McKenzi’s knees threatened to buckle beneath her at the brilliance of his smile. Finally, sanity returned and she gave a shaky laugh while brushing her hands down the back of her jeans. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s almost like you dropped out of the sky or something.” She took a step backward to give him a sweeping look up and down. He wore jeans himself with a natural wool sweater and heavy hiking boots. How the hell had she not heard him approaching? “You seemed pretty intent on picking your flowers. Maybe I should have announced myself from a distance.” He held out his hand again, only this time for obvious reasons. “I’m Daniel Braddock, though friends call me Danny.” McKenzi didn’t hesitate this time. She accepted his handshake, finding it warm and firm. Not to mention it engulfed hers. “Nice to meet you, Danny. I’m McKenzi Towers. Mac to my friends.” She frowned suddenly. “I thought I was all alone here in this part of the woods. The realtor made no mention of other homes nearby.” Big shoulders shrugged with nonchalance. “If you

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can call less than two miles up the road nearby. I have a cabin on the other side of the fork, and I hike several times a week.” He turned to glance at her cottage and back again. “I didn’t know someone had moved in until today. Just thought I’d hike over this way to say hello and see who bought the place.” “I see.” She took note of his empty back. “I know very little about hiking, but don’t you need a backpack or something with, you know, stuff for bug bites, food, water, maybe a flashlight or two to make sure you find your way home again?” He threw his head back and laughed. It instantly became one of her favorite new sounds. “I know these woods like the back of my hand, and I only take necessities if I intend staying out all night.” “Aren’t you concerned about wild creatures running amok?” He arched an eyebrow. “Wild creatures?” She shrugged, images of last night still haunting her. “You know, bears, stray dogs. A wolf, maybe?” He stared down at her, his expression somewhat puzzled. “A bear in these parts? I guess it’s possible. I’ve been here quite a while and have yet to encounter one. Though I’m sure there are plenty of wolves and stray dogs.” McKenzi opened her mouth to agree but just as quickly changed her mind. “What is it? You were about to say something?” How could she tell a perfect stranger, especially one she wanted to get naked with, that she had had a midnight tête-à-tête with just such a creature? Oh 28

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yeah, that would definitely send him back hiking at warp speed. “Nothing. I’ve already forgotten. I do that a lot.” Get a grip on yourself. He’s just a man. Don’t blow it by acting like a flake. Winter’s coming. “I hope I haven’t spoiled your plans.” His change in topic brought her head up. “My plans?” He nodded. “You’re obviously seeking solitude to have moved to such a remote area. If so, just say the word, and I’ll stay on my side of the fork.” Not if I have anything to say about it. In response, McKenzi stooped down to retrieve her flowers. She hadn’t expected him to help, but when his hand connected with hers over a single daisy, she swallowed hard and mumbled a polite thank you. What was wrong with her? One would think she’d never met a handsome man before. She was surrounded by handsome men. Her brothers, friends, the heroes in her books. What was so different about this one? Everything! Her hormones screamed. She stood up again, accepting the flowers he had helped gather to place with her own bunch. “I apologize if I haven’t sounded very neighborly. It’s just that you did startle me somewhat, but you haven’t spoiled anything. It’s a free country. It’s not like I have a say on who lives here.” She tossed out a short laugh. “My friend, Stephanie, will be so relieved to know there’s another human being living close by. She worries about me like a mother hen. There’s just no getting around it.”

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Quit babbling. You’re going to chase him away. “So your friends call you Mac?” His easy grin captivated her with its genuine friendliness. Maybe he thought babbling was sexy. “Funny but nothing about you makes me think of a man.” His statement took on a decidedly husky tone, and she didn’t imagine that familiar gleam in his eye. He was attracted to her as much as she to him. She took a deep breath to keep from revealing her excitement at the notion, surprised to find herself without a comeback. Danny was quick to notice. “My new neighbor is suddenly tongue-tied. Lucky for me I’m not married, I have no children, and no ties that bind. And unless you tell me you’re spoken for, I intend to do a lot of hiking in this direction from here on out. Hell, I don’t care if you are spoken for. I’ll still come around.” McKenzi couldn’t help laughing at his charming banter. “Have you always been this shy and retiring?” “When I see something I want, I go after it. Does this start us off on the wrong foot?” His beautiful green gaze roamed over her face, making her feel she had his undivided attention and that he would stop at nothing to let her know how appealing he found her. “Somehow I don’t think it does. Is that too direct for you?” McKenzi shivered which had nothing to do with the cool weather. Any doubts she’d had yesterday about her move from the city vanished beneath Danny’s intent, yet highly stimulating scrutiny. She shook her head. “I like honesty in a person. And the compliments certainly don’t hurt. But we’ve barely met. I’m sure you’ll understand if I lean on the side of caution for the 30

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moment.” He didn’t look in the least offended. Instead, he plucked a single daisy from her hand and slipped it behind her ear. He leaned his face closer to hers, and his warm breath fanned her cheeks. Clean, fresh, breath. Yes, indeedy. “Do you believe in fate?” “Excuse me?” “Think about it.” He turned to leave but not before uttering another surprising statement. “Don’t keep us waiting too long, McKenzi. You know what they say, when fate steps in…” She frowned when he left his sentence unfinished. “When fate steps in, what?” “Passion soon follows.” She watched him walk away, her eyes drifting downward to his well-defined butt. Something told her he had made up that little catch phrase. Something else told her she didn’t mind one bit. *** She couldn’t decide if the man exuded selfconfidence or was simply too arrogant for his own good. Either way, Stephanie’s claim that romance was found only in the novels McKenzi wrote had just been blown to smithereens. Oh, happy day. Now, after arranging the daisies touched by him on her kitchen table, McKenzi was ready to kick herself for not having invited the mysterious Daniel Braddock to dinner.

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Caution? Who the hell wanted to practice caution when the most gorgeous man in the world not only lived in close proximity but had made his attraction to her perfectly, unequivocally clear? She had never answered his question about believing in fate. He hadn’t given her time to answer it. If he had, she would have told him she’d never really thought about it. She believed in the here and now and was fond of simply taking one day at a time and trusting all would be well with the world when she fell into bed at night. But after meeting Daniel, or Danny to his friends, all McKenzi could think about was falling into bed with Danny and letting fate take care of itself. This morning seemed light years away, and already, she couldn’t wait to see him again. What would have been the harm in inviting him over to share nuked macaroni and cheese? If he was a murderer or rapist, she seriously doubted her hormones would have spent the afternoon playing leap frog with one another. She had good instincts. And her instincts about Danny felt pretty damn wonderful. She glanced out the window, then down at her watch. It was barely after three o’clock. Plenty of time to get in her car and drive over to his cabin. He said he lived on the other side of the fork, so how hard could it be to find it? If she had been thinking clearly, she would have at least asked for his phone number. But no matter. She’d simply drive over there, surprise him with a dinner invitation and still have ample time to drive back, make herself gorgeous, nuke the mac and cheese, and be waiting for 32

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him when he knocked on her door promptly at seven. Caution, my ass. McKenzi ran a brush through her hair, dabbed her lips with her favorite lipstick, and grabbed her keys and purse on her way out the door. It took seconds to scoot behind the wheel of her SUV and insert her key in the ignition. It took less than that to realize her car was good and dead. Trying the ignition several more times, she groaned when no sound was forthcoming. Of all times to have a dead battery! Assuming that was the problem. She didn’t even attempt to investigate further. A toddler could learn to recite Russian literature quicker than she could understand what went on underneath the hood of her car. “So much for having dinner with my new neighbor.” McKenzi let out a sigh of disappointment which quickly turned to inspiration. He had said less than two miles. She was in pretty good shape. Why couldn’t she walk to his place? Another good argument was he might decide not to visit her again for several days. That one did the trick. She didn’t give herself time to change her mind. Instead, she ran back inside the cottage to grab a bottled water and a coat in case the temperatures turned cooler. A moment’s worth of doubt washed over her. What if she crossed paths with the wolf? She’d be on his home turf, a distinct and possibly very dangerous possibility. But she pushed all doubt aside when a pair of green eyes and full lips flashed across her mind. Oh yeah, Danny was worth it.

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Locking the door of her cottage behind her, McKenzi headed out on the dirt road and mentally calculated it should only take her fifteen minutes or so to locate the fork. As her sneakered feet crunched along the ground, she took time to enjoy the scenery. Though she didn’t know a lot about flowers and wild foliage, her eyes raked in the glorious colors of fall, and she felt a strange kinship with the forest and trees more than she ever had living in a big city. Unfortunately, her feelings of kinship took a nosedive when no fork in the road appeared more than an hour later. In fact, the dirt road had somehow disappeared, and soon she was using both hands to maneuver her way through tall and prickly underbrush. She came upon a small clearing and stopped long enough to pull her water bottle from her coat pocket for a long swallow. She looked up at the sky, relieved to see she still had plenty of light. Shoving the bottle back inside her pocket, she bit the inside of her cheek to ward off her first inkling of concern. “Shit. What was I thinking to stray so far from the cottage?” A moment of self-pity had her contemplating throwing herself on the ground for a good, old-fashioned temper tantrum. But temper tantrums weren’t her style. She was a big girl. She’d find her way back to her cottage. If not, she’d pray that Danny’s talk of fate would intervene on her behalf, and he’d miraculously come walking through the trees with his arms wide open. Two hours later she was ready to start screaming 34

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bloody murder. Night had started to fall and so had the temperature. She buttoned her jacket as far as she could and jammed her hands inside her pockets. When she saw a small cluster of vines with strange looking berries on them for the third time, she knew she’d been walking in circles. “Damnit, McKenzi. It hasn’t even been a week and already you’ve managed to get yourself lost in the fucking woods.” She wanted to scream the words out loud but doing so wouldn’t bring help. She thought about screaming Danny’s name, but for all she knew, she was as far from his cabin as she was from her own. “This is no time to panic. I’m not lost. I’ve just temporarily misplaced myself.” Hearing the absurdity of her words almost made her laugh. But it wasn’t funny. And she wasn’t amused. She was cold, hungry, and didn’t particularly relish the idea of spending the night out in the wild with only God knowing what creatures lurking about. Creatures like a certain greeneyed wolf she found herself surreptitiously watching and listening for. “It serves me right,” she chastised herself as she tried a new, and what she hoped, was the right direction this time. “I should have waited for Danny to come back. And he would have. There was no denying he wanted me as much as I wanted him.” She let out a small scream when she felt something crawling on her neck. She slapped at it and kept trudging along. Too pissed off at her own foolishness to be frightened, she instead kept up a steady stream of nonsense so she wouldn’t feel quite so alone.

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“He talked about fate and passion. He was probably just horny. I was his only prospect, and he was hoping to get lucky.” She let out a long sigh of regret. “I should have let him. We could be tearing up the sheets right now. Instead, I’m freezing my ass off with no idea where the hell I am.” A crackling behind her stopped McKenzi in her tracks. She swallowed hard and listened. It came again almost immediately, and fear clogged her throat. It’s just a rabbit. Or maybe a deer looking for food. Or worse yet, that bear Danny swore he’s never seen. When it came a third time, louder and definitely closer, McKenzi barely had time to breathe when a shadow loomed past her and brushed the arm of her jacket. She let out a blood curdling scream and ran as fast as she could in no particular direction. Certain the hounds of hell were gaining on her, she ran on and on, unseeing, with tears streaming down her face. She didn’t even realize she screamed Danny’s name. As if in a dream, he came out of nowhere, and she collapsed in a heap against him. Blackness engulfed her as her body went limp, and she fainted dead away.

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Chapter Four Coffee. Delicious, fresh brewed coffee. McKenzi groaned in the back of her throat as the aroma slowly stirred her senses. Without that first cup every morning, she wasn’t worth a damn to anyone. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she blinked several times. When did I make coffee? “You’re awake.” Startled, McKenzi turned her head to find Danny staring down at her. Big, bronzed, and beautiful. That’s how she saw him, and she wondered briefly if she could still be dreaming. But if so, she doubted he’d be holding her favorite Disney mug in his hands and grinning at her as though he somehow found her amusing. “I was beginning to think you’d never wake up and with me clean out of smelling salts.” At a complete loss for words, she scanned the room to see a fire blazing in the fireplace. She had yet to light a fire since she moved in. She wasn’t even sure if she knew how. And she certainly didn’t remember falling asleep on the couch. But she must have. How else...? She glanced up at Danny again, wishing her head didn’t feel so fuzzy. Or her mouth like dry cotton. “I don’t understand. What are you doing here? Has something happened?” “You don’t remember?”

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“Obviously not or I wouldn’t have asked.” For reasons she couldn’t fathom, she was irritated. At him. “You fainted earlier. In my arms.” He knelt down beside her and brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. His touch was gentle, giving her comfort when she wasn’t in the mood to fully accept it. Yet. “Not that I’m complaining.” McKenzi scoffed rudely. “I’ve never fainted in my life.” She pushed herself to a sitting position, the blanket covering her slipping to her waist. She pushed her hands through her hair and tried to mask her embarrassment. “What the hell are you talking about? And if that coffee’s for me, I don’t like it cold.” He laughed out loud and handed her the mug. “Are you always this feisty after a bad scare?” With no earthly idea what he was talking about, she concentrated on the cup to give herself a moment to digest his words. The strong liquid felt good going down, and so did the generous amount of brandy he obviously laced the coffee with. She sipped silently, conscious of Danny’s looming presence and her own sense of vulnerability. Fortunately for her sanity, the evening’s events slowly began to return, and she ticked them off one by one in her mind. The last thing she remembered was running in the woods and smack into Danny’s arms right before everything went dark. She shivered involuntarily and didn’t object when Danny shifted positions to sit on the edge of the sofa beside her. “Something frightened you pretty bad out there.” She cradled the mug in both hands and peered at 38

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him from beneath her lashes. “I guess you could say that.” “Do you want to talk about it?” “Not especially.” “It might help.” She shook her head. “I’d rather just forget about it.” “Can you at least tell me why you were out so late to begin with? You haven’t been here that long, and until you become more familiar with your surroundings, these woods aren’t exactly the safest place to be after dark.” His voice was as soothing as warm butter on a biscuit. She handed the cup back to him which he promptly placed on the table. It gave her a moment to study him, something she found to be getting more and more enjoyable. God, but he was handsome. She had had a terrible scare earlier, and yet, she was ready to put that episode behind her and concentrate on the here and now. Like running her fingers through Danny’s raven hair to see if it felt as soft as it looked. Or letting him know how much she appreciated those incredible lips of his and wouldn’t mind a taste test or two. He caught her staring at him, and she shrugged with false bravado. “Advice taken. No more nature walks after dark.” “So that’s all it was? A nature walk?” She sighed. What the hell. Just tell him the truth. “I wanted to invite you to dinner.” She didn’t imagine the pleased look that crossed his face at her admission.

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“But my car wouldn’t start, I decided to walk, I got lost, and I ended up letting my imagination get the better of me.” “I see.” Somehow she didn’t think he did. “Chalk it up to a crazy impulse.” “As well as bad judgment. What if I hadn’t come along? You could still be out there, and the nights are getting colder.” “I get the message.” With her ego slightly bruised, she scooted around him and bounced off the couch. She needed to put distance between them, though she refused to question why. She didn’t get far when Danny grabbed her from behind and swung her back around. “McKenzi, you have no reason to be embarrassed. I’m just glad I was there when you needed me.” Easy for him to say. He wasn’t the one who got caught acting like a scared rabbit. “I’m not,” she lied. “I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten since breakfast.” She frowned suddenly and stepped backward. “Just what were you doing out so late? And don’t tell me you were still hiking.” His hands dropped to his hips. “You were closer to my house than you think. I was just around the bend. I heard your screams. You know the rest.” “I’m to believe you carried me almost two miles back here? If your place was so close, why not take me there instead?” He shrugged. “I thought you’d be more comfortable in your own home.” 40

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McKenzi frowned. It sounded plausible, except for a few minor details which she was only too happy to share. “After such an experience, I imagine I look like hell. No offense, but did you hit the gel bottle one too many times? It’s windy out there, and yet not one hair on your head is out of place. That’s a long haul on a cold night even for Arnold Schwarzenegger.” “Who?” “Arnold Schwarzenegger.” Danny’s brow lifted. “You know, Conan the Barbarian. The Terminator.” Danny remained stone-faced. She tried again. “The tough guy in the movies with the heavy Austrian accent. He’s now the Governor of California.” His continued blank look amazed McKenzi. “So you’re obviously not into movies and politics. I guess I should at the very least thank you. I mean, it’s not like you saved my life or anything, but you did get me safely back to my cottage. So again, thank you.” She bent down to retrieve her mug, but Danny stopped her midway. “You’re pissed off at me. Why?” “I’m not pissed off.” “Yes, you are.” “No. No, I’m not. I’m just...” Disgruntled, she rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what I am. Or why, for that matter. Let’s just call it delayed shock or something.” She looked just in time to see the corners of his mouth lift. He was amused. And at her expense. “I’m

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glad you find me entertaining,” she snapped, this time snatching up her cup with success and marching off to the kitchen sink. “I know what your problem is.” He had come up behind her, soundlessly. She whirled around, her eyes flashing. “I swear you must walk on air or something. You never make a sound.” She waved her hands in front of him. “You’re always just there. What are you? A ghost or something?” “I can assure you I’m not a ghost.” With her back against the sink, it was easy for Danny to bracket his arms around her and block her escape. The proximity of their bodies forced her head up, and she forgot all about her agitation. All she could think about was the size and smell of the man, the way his eyes bore into hers as though he saw straight through to her soul. With a start, she found herself in unfamiliar territory. Never in her life had she been this affected by a man’s presence. He fascinated her with his innate ability to make her acutely aware of her femininity. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to ease the ache that had taken root in the pit of her stomach from the first moment she had laid eyes on him. The one that was rapidly moving downward to quiver in the very core of her pussy. She could barely stand on legs that felt like jelly, and her bare toes curled against the tiled floor as if they provided her only grip on self-control. She cleared her throat and swallowed. “You...you said you know what my problem is?” Good God, she sounded pathetic. If he had any idea what he was doing 42

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to her, he was either ignoring it or deliberately trying to prolong her torment. For his part, he didn’t even seem all that turned on by their closeness. She could barely breathe normally. Every nerve end jousted for control. And yet there he stood, acting cool as an evening breeze but looking hotter than the depths of hell. Just out of pure vanity, she was tempted to push her hips forward to see if his cock was at least paying attention. She didn’t dare look down for clarification. What if it was? Worse yet, what if it wasn’t? “Yes, I do,” he stated with quiet authority. She had quickly lost track of their conversation. “Excuse me?” “You’re thinking I see you as weak and helpless. I mean, only women who are weak get lost in the woods and have to be rescued. Only women who are weak faint at men’s feet. And the last thing you want to be thought of is weak and helpless. Isn’t that right, McKenzi?” I’m not weak. But you make me feel weak. Weak with wanting you and wishing you’d stop talking and start taking what I just now realized I’m offering. Her thoughts ran rampant inside her head. She wanted Danny in the worst way. A complete stranger. She had known him less than twenty-four hours, and yet, she felt drawn to him in a way totally unfamiliar to her, yet one that made perfect sense. What the hell was wrong with her? She felt her cheeks warm. Didn’t he know he was on the wrong track? Had he been living in the woods so long he’d

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forgotten what a woman in lust looked like? She gave him the benefit of the doubt, and addressed his question. “Weak and helpless are definitely not in my vocabulary. Though I do consider myself cautious for the most part.” “And what do you have to be cautious about?” “That’s pretty obvious, don’t you think?” “What’s obvious to me is how well we communicate.” “At the risk of repeating myself, I barely know you. We’re strangers.” That made him smile. “Moot point considering you want me to fuck you.” Her eyes widened. She didn’t know whether to be insulted by his arrogance or apologize for misjudging him. So he was paying attention. “You certainly don’t mince words, do you?” “But I’m right. Does that frighten you?” “Should it?” “No.” He bent his head, and his breath became a soft caress against her cheeks. “Do I frighten you?” “I don’t know.” “Honesty.” He took the liberty of sliding his hands beneath her sweater. His gentle kneading of the small of her back drew an unexpected cry of pleasure from her. “I like it, too. Especially in my woman.” “Your woman? Let’s not get sentimental, shall we? Seeing as I’m the only woman around, I’d say I’m a sure thing. Don’t feel you need to placate me with sweet nothings in my ear.” His lips barely grazed hers before he placed a kiss 44

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on each eyelid. “McKenzi?” Her head fell backward as she welcomed the heat of his mouth against her neck. “Yes?” Her response sounded more like a croak when Danny’s hand stroked across her breasts. She arched her body closer, feeling the floor move beneath her feet when his heavy cock pressed against her middle. Creamy heat pooled in her pussy. She was on fire. Every inch of her skin burned. Every nerve end tingled and pulsed. “It’s good that you want me. I wanted you the instant I saw your tight little ass bent over those daisies this morning. And to see you weren’t wearing a bra, I imagined doing just this.” He pinched a nipple between his thumb and forefinger, the exquisite torture almost more than she could bear. “You like that? A little pain with your pleasure?” She blinked at him through a haze of passion as hunger and need consumed her. “Danny, I…oh…” She lost her train of thought when his fingers slid down her belly and breached the waistband of her jeans. “Tell me, McKenzi.” His voice was smooth, soothing, urging she surrender to the moment. “Tell me what you need. Say it. Scream it if you want. No one can hear you but me.” “Maybe I’m not ready for this.” He laughed low in his throat. “Not ready?” His hand slipped between her legs and cupped her mound. “I can already feel your heat in my palm. Trust me, you’re ready.” “With an ego the size of yours, I hope it’s not your biggest asset.”

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“Not hardly. But only one way to find out.” He was beautiful, wild, his expression taut with desire. For her. And she found him impossible to resist. She stopped trying. “Okay. I’m not shy. You know what I want.” “I want to hear you say it.” “Then fuck me. Now. This minute.” “Here? You don’t want to go to your bedroom?” “No.” “Foreplay?” “Highly overrated.” His reaction was instant. If possible, his gaze turned a deeper, more haunting shade of green, hypnotizing her, drawing her in to an erotic fantasy playing out right before her eyes. A feral growl erupted from his lips as he crushed his mouth to hers. He kissed her long and hard, his tongue all consuming as he explored and savored every inch, every hidden recess of her mouth. She became as greedy as he, kissing him back stroke for stroke, as she gave herself up to his strength, the sheer force of his being. Eager to feel flesh beneath her fingertips, her hands tore at the buttons on his shirt and brushed the bulge between his thighs just long enough to know he was a man of his word. But Danny took command, steering them both back into the living room, though his hands and mouth never broke contact with her body. His swift movements knocked over a lamp as he twisted her around and bent her over the back of the sofa. He didn’t give her time to think, time to change 46

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her mind. He popped the snap on her jeans with one flick of his wrist and yanked them to her knees. His hand pushed between her legs, and he chuckled wickedly. “No panties either? I’m loving it.” He spread her thighs wide, the fingers of his other hand delving deep inside to find her wet and ready. Primitive need nearly crippled her, and her eyes glazed over to feel Danny’s touch maneuvering all around her swollen clit. He never touched it directly. Instead, he teased and tormented the tiny nub until McKenzi thought she would literally faint with pleasure. The sound of Danny unzipping his own jeans roared in her ears as his hands slid beneath her sweater and covered her breasts, squeezing them in his palms like ripe melons. Instinct told her she was in for the ride of her life as a moment of uncertainty took a backseat to feverish excitement. “Is this what you wanted, McKenzi?” His husky murmur in her ears made the hairs on the back of her neck stand straight up. But she didn’t care. This was exactly what she wanted, and her fingers dug into the fabric of the sofa in anticipation, but nothing could have prepared her for his size. With one hard thrust, his mammoth cock sent her back arching, and she screamed at his quick and total possession. He lowered his hands to clasp her firmly by her hips, pumping slow at first, then faster, picking up the pace until he worked her like a jackhammer, her cries and groans mingling with the sounds of his own passion. When the fingers of one hand slipped around her

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body, she braced for a moment of discomfort, her experience being that most men manipulated a woman’s pussy like it was made out of rubber. But Danny was a revelation. His fingers knew precisely where to touch, where to tease, and where to bring the most pleasure. He pulled his cock back just enough to allow the tips of his fingers to dance all around her clit, never touching it directly, but making it quiver and silently scream for release. He continued his delicious assault on her most intimate parts until she felt her climax building to a shattering crescendo. When she didn’t think she could hold on one moment longer, Danny’s magical fingers struck gold, and she released a cry of pure ecstasy when he sent her careening over the edge. Every nerve in her body tingled and sparked like the final outburst of a fireworks display. But it didn’t end there. Danny thrust his cock inside her again, picking up speed to buck her from behind, his rock hard thighs slapping against her ass with fierce abandon. She marveled at how quickly another orgasm began to build within her, gaining strength with Danny’s pumping and grinding until he released a long, tortuous growl that made her release all that much sweeter as it simultaneously connected with his own. Seconds ticked by with Danny still clinging to her, giving them both time to begin the normal process of breathing again. She shivered when he ran his tongue down her back in one long, sensuous lick before he straightened and pulled his cock out slowly. When he turned her around to face him, his expression alone 48

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made her feel sexier and more alive than she’d ever felt in her entire life. “Fate and passion. A killer combination.” His sensual whisper thrilled her beyond reason as he leaned in and kissed her softly on her mouth, lingering for a moment before using his hands as a brush on her tousled hair. McKenzi’s gaze was drawn to his cock, still rock hard, while she silently wondered at this strange turn of events. “Did anyone ever tell you you’re an animal?” She teased him out loud while recalling Stephanie’s warning about the big bad wolf. Danny’s jaw seemed to tense but just as quickly he adjusted himself and zipped up his jeans before removing hers with the utmost care. He tossed them over the back of the sofa and scooped her up before she could react. “What are you doing?” “It’s time you were in bed.” He grinned playfully as his long strides carried her into her bedroom. “You need to sleep.” McKenzi stifled a yawn. “Will you stay with me?” “No.” She laughed out loud at his abrupt answer. “I’ve just been fucked for the first time in my life beyond my wildest dreams. I guess beggars can’t be choosers.” Danny shook his head as he tucked the cover beneath her chin. “Your former lovers were shamefully inadequate.” “Trust me. There haven’t been that many.” He leaned down and kissed her softly on her

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forehead. “Then we’re both in for a treat because nothing brings a man more pleasure than to pleasure his woman.” “There you go again with that woman thing.” She yawned a second time and peeked at him from beneath her lashes. “I’m beginning to like it.” Once she closed her eyes, she was out like a light and missed the smile of satisfaction on Danny’s lips just before he disappeared back into the night. *** McKenzi. He cried her name to the wind as he ran swiftly through the woods, his body and senses renewed with incredible strength and wildness. Midnight had come upon him too abruptly. He had wanted to stay with her, hold her through the hours until dawn. But at long last he had possessed her, claimed her for his own, and she belonged to him now. She had given him her body, had matched his hunger far beyond his expectations. She was everything he had dreamed of and waited for, and for the first time he believed the curse would no longer stand in the way of their destiny. Soon, he would fight for her heart and when that, too, was his, their destiny would be fulfilled by his last challenge...when he conquered her soul.

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Chapter Five “I’m a slut.” McKenzi wrinkled her nose and shot herself a wicked grin in the mirror. “And it feels pretty good, if I say so myself. And to myself.” At first light, she had wanted to pull the covers over her head and hide until June. But a hot shower, fresh clothes, and an uplifting speech about why-thehell-not had done wonders to make her appreciate last night’s events. She still wasn’t quite sure what had possessed her to lose control with a man she barely knew. But today she was glad she did, and she didn’t feel a morsel of guilt. Well...maybe just a little. But I’ll get over it. One thing she knew she wouldn’t get over or forget for a long while was the manner in which Danny had taken her. Sure she had brazenly invited him to fuck her, but the man was an animal. Pure and simple. And she had loved every minute of it. By her own directive, there had been no foreplay. And very little kissing. Instead, they had come together as though the world was about to end. It had been wild, primitive, and thoroughly satisfying. Just thinking about seeing him today was enough to make her cream all over again. Such thoughts made her cheeks flame, and she laughed out loud. She was definitely seeing another

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side to herself, but she liked it. It was the most unexpected sex she had ever had. And she didn’t mind admitting she wanted him around to experience other tricks he may have up his sleeve. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail, brushed her teeth, and applied a quick coat of mascara and lipstick to her face. Though she assumed she wouldn’t see Danny until the evening, she wanted to look presentable should he make a surprise appearance again. Just the memory of their romp last night energized her beyond belief. Her fingers itched to get back to her laptop, and she intended to immerse herself in writing steamy scenes for her new novel. To hell with more unpacking. Thanks to the sexy and mysterious Mr. Braddock, her imagination had returned in full force. She hadn’t figured out a plot or even characters yet, but what fun she’d have recreating their encounter on the sofa. She even had a crazy impulse to call Stephanie but quickly changed her mind. She wasn’t ready to share him. For now, Danny would remain her little secret. Instead, she padded barefoot into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. Hearing a clap of thunder in the distance, she pulled back the curtain on the window and peered up at the sky. Dark clouds were barely discernible above the tops of the trees. Damn. My car. The driver’s window was down. How was she going to put it up if she had a dead battery? Not really understanding why, she grabbed her keys and ran 52

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outside. Sliding beneath the steering wheel, she tried the ignition again, fully expecting it not to cooperate. If so, she could always throw a tarp over the side until... The engine suddenly purred to life, catching her completely off guard. “What the hell?” She shook her head, baffled. “I know I did not imagine this car not starting last night. And I know I tried several times.” She shrugged and waited for the window to rise before turning off the ignition. Obviously she had been too caught up in seeing Danny again. How else to explain the oddity? Look up, McKenzi. Look up and see me. Her fingers stalled on the door handle as she lifted her head. A soft gasp fell from her lips to see him through the windshield. The wolf had returned. Against the backdrop of the forest, he appeared huge and magnificent, every line of his powerful body etched into the scenery like a painting. He stared at her from a distance, his expression one of dominance. It was the one word she could think of that truly defined his demeanor. His ears were pushed forward and his tail lifted high in the back. Signs for sure, but signs of what? Illogically, she locked the doors. “Jesus. This is like a scene from Cujo. And if I’m not mistaken, the mother died in that movie.” McKenzi heard the slight panic in her voice. Maybe she’d be taking a drive after all. She stared back at him, unmoving. Why was he just

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standing there watching her as though she was his next meal? And yet, she remembered the other night. He’d had plenty of opportunity to attack. Instead, he had simply whined at her feet. Had even let her touch him before letting out that haunting howl and running away. She nearly jumped out of her skin when he took a step toward the car. First one and then another. It was more like an awkward gait, and she realized he was limping. “He’s hurt.” She uttered the words out loud, not even questioning her swift change in attitude. Or her instinct to help. She eased herself out of the car but left the door open just on the off chance she had to dive back in head first. As though I could out run him, limp or no limp. She moved tentatively toward him, praying her instincts were right and that he wouldn’t go for her throat. She had to hand it to him. He wasn’t in the least intimidated by her. All one hundred and ten pounds of her. His penetrating gaze spoke volumes. He was the predator, she the prey. And yet... What was it about his eyes? They seemed so familiar, but she couldn’t for the life of her remember why. They stayed on her, never wavering, watching her every move. Hypnotic. That was a good word. Pulling her into his circle, urging her forward until a mere foot separated them. Fear knotted in the pit of her stomach, but McKenzi 54

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was powerless to fight it. Something stronger, a feeling she couldn’t deny overruled her fear of him. He needed her. He proved it when he lay on the ground at her feet, amazing her with his submissiveness. Easing to her knees, she studied him up close, admiring his body and giving him his due as a wonder of nature. “You are one big ass dude,” she crooned softly, noting how his ears perked up as though appreciating the compliment. “Just like a man.” Caution still ruled as she swept a hand across the length of his coat. She felt a smooth ridge near his hind leg and parted his fur to get a better look. Several inches in length, the scar resembled a snake ready to strike. “That must have hurt like hell. I wonder what the other guy looked like?” The wolf accepted her touch, allowed her to apply gentle pressure as she searched for a wound. He lay quietly until she lifted the wrong paw. He hissed through his jaws, and McKenzi recoiled, certain she was finally going to get up close and personal with a hundred razor sharp teeth. But he remained prone, giving her a chance to re-examine the offended appendage. This time, she saw it immediately. A thorn lodged between his claws and apparently quite deep. Dried blood indicated it had been there a while. “This may hurt me more than it will you,” she theorized. “I’ve never been known for my nursing skills, and I have no desire to piss you off. But here goes.” She counted to three beneath her breath, then pulled

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the thorn out in a single yank. If she expected him to yelp in pain, she was mistaken. He rose slowly with cool precision, his eyes trained on McKenzi in that hypnotic way as before. Again she was enthralled by his size and his commanding presence as though he expected her to bow at his greatness. He sniffed once, his nose high in the air. “If that’s your way of saying thank you, I accept. Maybe you can return the favor one day.” McKenzi lifted herself from the ground, careful not to take her eyes off of her patient. Just because she had saved him from a painful injury didn’t mean he wouldn’t still turn on her. A second clap of thunder came out of nowhere. The wolf sniffed the air again, trained one last steely gaze on her, and turned on all fours to disappear back into the forest. Sheer adrenalin coursed through McKenzi’s entire body. If Mount Everest suddenly appeared on the landscape, there was no doubt in her mind she’d be brazen enough to try and climb it. But seeing the storm clouds gather overhead, she returned to her car and slammed the door before racing back inside. No sooner had she stepped over the threshold, the sky opened up and rain began to pelt her cottage. She shivered slightly, unsure if she was cold or still reacting to the moment. Who in their right mind would believe her story? That she had made friends with a wolf and she wasn’t afraid of him. Or to be near him. She had certainly proved that by playing Dr. Doolittle. 56

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The thought crossed her mind that perhaps the thorn was the reason he first appeared on her doorstep. Not yet trusting her, he had run off, given the matter some thought, and returned to chance her removing it. Now that she had, maybe he was gone for good, and she’d never see him again. “Now I know I’m crazy. Already pining for an animal that could snap me like a pretzel.” She kicked off her shoes and decided a strong cup of coffee would snap her out of her foolishness. She had barely taken three steps when loud knocking swung her around again. She opened the door to peer out and promptly burst out laughing. Danny stood on the landing, looking like the proverbial drowned rat. “I thought I could out run the rain. I was wrong.” He grinned down at her, and McKenzi thought her heart would burst from her chest. He literally took her breath away, and she had to fight a wild impulse to throw herself in his arms. Instead, she laughed back at him and invited him in. “At least it’s dry and warm in here.” “But I’ll drip all over your floors.” His argument fell on deaf ears as she flung over her shoulder, “I’ll get a towel. Be right back.” *** Danny eyed McKenzi’s retreating form. He swallowed hard at her beautifully shaped ass and remembered how it had plumped to perfection inside his hands. It took every ounce of strength he possessed not to follow her and take her up on her unwitting invitation.

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Last night had been a mere prelude of what was to come. She had no idea what lay in store for her. For him. For the life they would soon share. He yearned to tell her of his dreams, to reveal the secrets of his heart. But not yet. For to act too soon would bring about his destruction. And surely that’s what he would face should he interfere in the preordained course of things. All in due time. They were close and moving closer. For now it was enough to feast on her beauty. To breathe the same air. To inhale her scent, touch her lush skin. His body stirred, his senses alert to her return. When he saw her bright smile re-enter the room, his heart swelled inside his chest. You are mine, McKenzi. I will take you places you have never known. Love and desire you as you have never been loved and desired before. Trust in me and I will show you the way. “I’d say penny for your thoughts, but that serious look on your face probably means you’re freezing to death.” She handed him the towel and stood back. “You really can’t stay in those wet clothes. You’re welcome to take a hot shower, if you’d like.” She’s not afraid of me. Shows no regret or embarrassment over last night. Danny briskly rubbed his head and shot her an appreciative grin. “Sounds inviting, but my clothes will still be wet.” “Did I forget to mention I have four hulking, older brothers? They helped me move in here, and one of 58

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them spent the night. He left some clothes behind. You’re about the same size.” “Then I accept.” He tossed the towel over one shoulder, and bent down to pull off his shoes. He laid them on the rug and looked up to find her eyeing him curiously. “No socks?” “Rarely wear them.” “Really?” He eyed her quizzically. “You find that odd?” McKenzi shrugged. “You said you do a lot of hiking. You must have feet of concrete.” He laughed. “Hiking is the exception. And formal occasions, of course. Lead me to the shower.” “This way.” He trailed behind her through the hallway. When she opened the bathroom door, she flashed those gorgeous blue eyes and promptly robbed him of air. “Just toss your clothes out, and I’ll throw them in the dryer. I’ll leave Matt’s things here on the bench for you.” She turned to go, but Danny reached out and cupped her chin in his hand. He saw her eyes light with surprise, then surprised them both when he leaned in and covered her mouth with his own. She tasted sweet, reminding him of honeysuckle that flourished in early spring. Her lips parted beneath his, and he knew they both wanted him to deepen the kiss. But he drew back and murmured, “A small token of my appreciation.” And, my love, just the beginning of your

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awakening.

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Chapter Six “You’re doing it again.” “Doing what?” “Sneaking up on me.” McKenzi didn’t jump this time. She had ceased questioning Danny’s ability to do so. Besides, she liked having his arms around her. It felt natural. He smelled of fresh soap and man, and when he leaned in to tickle her ear lobe with his tongue, she shivered clean down the center of her spine. “Feel better?” “Much.” He sniffed her hair, making her laugh. “I thought you might be hungry. Do you like omelettes?” “I am and I do.” He pulled her around, and took the eggs from her hands, replacing them carefully back inside the carton. His head bent, his breath warm against her face. “But first...” His mouth against hers was tentative at first, playing with her, nipping at her bottom lip. She instinctively laid her hands on his chest, her fingers digging into his shirt as her mouth opened beneath his. His lips were made for kissing, and he took his time enjoying her, giving of himself as his tongue wandered and explored the hidden recesses of her mouth. His hands had started to wander, too, cupping her ass and pulling her lower body tightly against his own. He was aroused and most definitely in an amorous mood. But different from last night. Granted, she had

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set the tone and been confronted with a level of sensuality she had never experienced. Danny had been aggressive, primitive in his taking of her. For a moment she had likened him to a wild animal intent on subduing his prey and proving his superiority. But this Danny was tender, sweet even, as he drew her into the simple, yet all consuming art of kissing. She accepted his invitation, curling her arms around his neck and eagerly meeting his demands with a sense of urgency. A moan started in the back of her throat, the sound one of longing and need. He was a fabulous kisser, each stroke of his tongue drawing her deeper and deeper into an abyss of head spinning pleasure. She almost cried in protest when he lifted his head and ended the delicious torment. She opened her eyes and stared into those mesmerizing orbs of his, saw his hunger, and secretly thrilled to the knowledge she had such an effect on him as well. “Now, about that omelette? Can you cook?” It was the last thing she expected to hear him say. She threw her head back and laughed. “Good thing I don’t suffer from a lack of self-confidence.” She shrugged, taking his abrupt change in subject in stride. “Can I cook? I’d say Emeril has nothing to worry about, but I get by. Have a seat.” Danny’s brows drew together. “Emeril? Is he another one of your brothers?” McKenzi sighed. “Do you even own a television?” Shaking her head, she reached for the frying pan but 62

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stopped on a note of immediate concern. “Danny? You’re limping. Are you hurt?” “What?” He lowered his head and followed her line of vision to his bare feet. He wriggled his toes. “It’s just a stone bruise. Nothing serious.” He shot her a grin. “That should prove to you my feet are not made of concrete.” “Do you want me to take a look at it?” His playful scowl nipped that offer in the bud. She went back to her task of fixing them breakfast. “Not that I mind the attention, but I’ll live to hike another day.” He sat down at the table and made himself comfortable. “I’m curious about something. Earlier on my way here, I thought I heard your car. Last night you said it wouldn’t start.” McKenzi cracked four eggs into a mixing bowl, and added chunks of cheese and chopped vegetables with one hand while popping bread into the toaster with the other. She mixed the ingredients together and poured them into the omelette pan heating on the stove, not bothering to look up. “It wouldn’t. I tried several times and never could get it to turn over. When I saw it was going to rain, I realized a window was down, so I ran outside to give it another go and was able to get it started. It was either a glitch or I was in too big a hurry before.” Danny gave an exaggerated sigh. “And here I was hoping to impress you with my mechanical abilities.” You don’t need to impress me. I’m already there. For a split second, McKenzi thought she had spoken the words out loud. Blushing, she glanced over her

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shoulder but found Danny’s attention now focused on her open laptop. “I understand you’re a writer. And a successful one at that.” She reached for plates in the cabinet and laid them on the counter before answering his question with one of her own. “And who have you been talking to?” “Let’s just say I have friends in high places.” That made her laugh out loud. “In other words, you want to keep me guessing.” She split the omelette in half, filled their plates, and placed each one on the table. She followed up with napkins and silverware and opened the refrigerator. “Would you like juice? I have apple and orange. Or if you prefer coffee...” She turned back around for his answer and her mouth fell open. Danny was wiping his mouth with his napkin and pushing his plate away. His empty plate. “Don’t wait for me. Dive right in.” He caught the sarcasm in her voice and smiled apologetically. “Sorry. I was hungry.” “I see that. Do you always inhale your food?” She set the orange juice on the table in front of him. “I’d offer you a glass but help yourself to the carton.” For a moment he looked wounded, and she promptly burst out laughing. “I’m teasing, Danny. I like a man with a healthy appetite. Would you like another omelette? Or mine, for that matter? I’m actually not very hungry this morning.” “You’re not ill, are you?” “No, no. Not at all. It’s just...” She hesitated, wondering if he would think her delusional to tell him 64

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about her visitor. “Just what?” She sat down at the table and pushed the hair behind her ears. “Did you know there really are wolves in the woods? I mean honest to goodness wolves with fur, claws, teeth, the whole nine yards?” Strange, but she swore she saw one corner of Danny’s mouth lift as though in amusement. When he shot her a full-fledged grin, she bristled. “I’m not joking. I’ve seen them. Or at least one of them.” Danny laughed but quickly checked his humor at the frown it earned him. “Baby, why do you think they call this town Lupus? Lupus as in the wolf species.” Baby. He called me Baby. Oh God, is it too soon to think I’m falling? She sobered instantly, not trusting him not to somehow read her mind. “I hadn’t thought about it. I guess it makes sense. Is it too late to fire my realtor?” “Make no mistake, they’re not to be taken lightly, McKenzi. This is their territory. As far as they’re concerned, you’re an interloper.” “I’m not afraid.” “You should be.” “I’m not because one of them has a crush on me.” “Excuse me?” “I’m serious. He’s already paid me two visits. Once the other night and again this morning right before you came.” She crunched into her toast and blinked her eyes at him. “Bet you didn’t know you have a rival for my attentions.” Danny didn’t smile. He sat back in his chair with a

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look that wasn’t hard to decipher. He thought she was crazy. His next words proved it. “I’m supposed to believe you’ve made friends with a wild animal who could rip you apart like a rag doll?” Undeterred by his stern expression, McKenzi simply nodded. “That about sums it up. I know it sounds way out there, but it’s true. He’s had two chances to make me his rag doll but he didn’t. In fact, he allowed me to get close enough to pull a thorn from his paw.” It sounded ludicrous even to her own ears. But there was no reason to keep it a secret. She just didn’t want this new man in her life to think she was a fruitcake. There was a promise in his eyes that said he was going to become someone very important to her. She didn’t know how. She just did. “I’m telling the truth, Danny. I wouldn’t make up such a preposterous tale. I certainly write enough of them. But this wasn’t my imagination. It happened. Had you gotten here five minutes earlier, you would have seen for yourself.” Danny continued to watch her, not uttering a word. And because he said nothing, it gave her a chance to study his eyes. Really study his eyes. What was it about them that was so familiar? It was as though she had looked into them before but in someone else’s face. Someone other than Danny’s. A twin. Could he possibly have a twin? Spooked and not knowing why, she pushed herself away from the table and stood up. “Now that I’ve scared you away...” Her voice trailed off on a nervous laugh as she reached for the plates. 66

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Danny’s hand on hers stopped her mid-way. He scooted his chair backward and pulled her around until she was sitting on his lap. She felt her stomach muscles constrict to find him in such close proximity, and he took every advantage of the situation. “I’m not going anywhere. Nothing you say or do is going to scare me away. Who knows? It could turn out to be the other way around.” “What? You scare me away?” She smiled in such a way so as to quickly dispel him of that notion. “So far you’re doing everything just right.” His hand breached the side of her neck to pull her close for a kiss. He caught her bottom lip with his teeth and suckled the tender flesh, drawing a moan from her that said he could keep doing that forever. “I find you fascinating, McKenzi. Everything about you. I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” “I felt the same way.” “And I couldn’t wait to see you again. To be with you.” McKenzi didn’t know which was more lust inspiring. The heat of Danny’s mouth trailing moist kisses along her jaw line or the warmth of his hand which had started on the buttons of her blouse and was now kneading the tops of her breasts above her bra line. She closed her eyes and surrendered herself to the exquisite sensation. “Fucking you last night was incredible.” His husky reminder in her ear made her clit clench, and she squirmed on his lap. “But now I must have all of you.” McKenzi was so turned on by Danny’s touch, his

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voice, she barely processed his easing her off of his lap. She opened her eyes and stared at him through passionglazed eyes. “Take off your clothes for me, McKenzi.” She swallowed. “Excuse me?” “I want to see you naked.” His simple request drew an unexpected gasp from her. Buds of excitement sprang up all over her body. Her nipples grew hard, and she could already feel the dampness inside her panties. “And if I don’t?” Where the hell did that come from? Like I need coaxing! His hand reached between them to cup her jeanclad pussy. With quiet authority in his voice, he softly declared, “Oh, but you will.” “You sound pretty sure of yourself.” And I’m damn sure I’m going to do as I’m told. “I am sure. Last night I fucked you. This time I intend to love you. Now take off your clothes.” McKenzi had never been so turned on in her life. She hardly recognized the sound of her voice as she squeaked out a demand of her own. “Say please.” Danny grinned. His expression spoke volumes. He knew he was in total control of the moment and yet admired her show of spunk. “Please.” That one word held more fire than Hades itself. McKenzi took slow steps backward to put enough distance between them to give him every possible advantage of watching her undress. Confident in his attraction to her and of her own body, she decided to obey his command with a little 68

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strategy of her own. She took up where Danny left off with the buttons of her blouse, then eased the pink cotton off of her shoulders. She saw his eyes drop to the swells of her breasts and glaze over with manly appreciation. So you want a strip show, do you? Hang on to your jewels, Braddock. I don’t want anything shooting off too fast. With a woman’s innate ability to tease and entice her lover, McKenzi took her sweet time reaching behind her back to unclasp her bra. Before it fell, she caught and held it against her chest, eager to have Danny squirming in his chair to see her natural assets so near, yet so far. Her gaze locked with his as she waited for him to tell her to hurry. But he said nothing. Instead, he simply sat there watching her with those strange eyes. But she didn’t need words from him to convince her he was in the game. All she had to do was glance at his lap to see his cock straining against his zipper. He may have a poker face, but his cock had no problem revealing its hand. With a smile of superiority, McKenzi finally allowed her bra to slip to the floor. She pretended to reach for the snap on her jeans, drawing her fingers slowly down the smooth expanse of her stomach. But then she drew her hands upward again to cup the undersides of her breasts and lift them so that her rock hard nipples pointed directly at Danny. God, she was on a high. She had never played seductress before, even if it was by a command

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performance. On an impulse, she dipped her head, the curtain of her hair shielding her face as she took one nipple into her mouth and began a gentle, but audible sucking of the bud. She swirled her tongue around its tip while watching Danny from beneath her lashes. She almost laughed out loud when she saw his eyes close. She was definitely getting to him. He couldn’t control the groan that started in the back of his throat, giving her confidence she now had the upper hand. But he surprised her greatly when he suddenly stood up and barked, “Enough! Take off your jeans before I rip them from you myself.” Unafraid, she shot him a smile of pure seduction. “Don’t let me stop you.” “McKenzi.” Something in the way he said her name almost made it sound like a threat. A very sensual, full of promise, you’re-going-to-love-every-minute-of-this threat. She resumed her striptease, easing her jeans down her legs with deliberate precision before kicking them to the side. Danny’s expression remained unreadable, so she took her sweet time removing her panties. She turned slightly and made a point of bending from the waist to pick them up from the floor in order to give him a full view of her ass. When she stood before him completely naked, her eyes widened at the subtle change in his expression. She knew for certain she’d never experienced anything so blatantly wicked before in her life. 70

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Wrong. Seeing him clear the table took top honors. “I want you to lie down here and keep your arms at your sides.” “What?” “Do it, McKenzi. If you don’t, I’m stronger than you. I’ll simply pick you up and lay you there myself.” Believing every word that came out of his mouth, McKenzi did as she was told. There was no graceful way of doing it, and the table was cool on her back and legs, but she was too hot and too aware of Danny’s watchful eyes to complain of such minor details. “Now lift your knees and spread your legs wide.” He moved slowly toward the table, though there was nothing gentlemanly in the way he shoved a chair out of the way. And his eyes devoured her like a man starving to death with a bountiful buffet laid out in front of him for his enjoyment. “God, you’re breathtaking. I could easily join you now and bring us both instant gratification. But I’m going to take my time with you. I want you to feel my love for you, McKenzi. With my tongue, my mouth, my teeth, my hands, you will know what it means to be truly cherished by a man.” “There’s that possessiveness thing again. You hardly know me. Even though you’re seeing every thing there is of me.” “That’s where you’re wrong, my love. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were my destiny. A man takes good care of the woman he intends to spend his life with.”

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“Excuse me? Danny…” McKenzi attempted to rise from the table, but Danny leaned forward and laid two fingers across her mouth. “Hush. Let me love you in my way. Close your eyes and trust me. I will not hurt you. I will only pleasure you.” The soothing cadence of his voice was like a drug lulling her senses. She did as she was told and closed her eyes, her reward a string of featherlike kisses along her lids, her temples, her forehead. He moved downward, using his tongue like a paintbrush to outline the curves of her mouth and color them in before urging her lips to open for his kiss. Again he kissed her with sweet abandon. He didn’t stop her when she reached up and held his head in her hands, kissing him back with a level of passion she didn’t know she possessed. She would have been content to kiss for hours, but Danny shifted, his mouth slowly moving down the length of her throat, using his lips, his teeth, his tongue like finely-tuned instruments. She responded in a symphony of passionate groans and lingering moans of pleasure as he expertly and sensually covered every inch of her exposed skin. “Danny, I want to feel you, too. I need to touch you.” She opened her eyes and reached up to unbutton his shirt, but he grinned and pushed her hands away. “Later, my love. Right now everything is for you. Be patient.” Her moment of frustration quickly vanished when Danny dropped his head again and found her breast. His hand cupped the underside and lifted her nipple to his 72

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mouth. He rubbed his nose across it, back and forth, up and down, sniffing her, then tasting her. The tiny bud came alive beneath his heated mouth, his nipping and sucking at the hardened nub sending shivers of delight coursing through her and pooling between her legs until she thought she would scream with excitement. “You have beautiful breasts. So plump and soft. Perfect for a man’s hands. Perfect for me.” He continued his trail of discovery by smoothing his hands down her sides while his mouth licked, nipped, and kissed all over her stomach, in and around her belly button, her abdomen. And with each breath that drew him closer and closer to the center of her universe, she throbbed with such anticipation, she feared she would die before knowing the heat of his mouth inside her. His hands slid beneath her hips and gently raised her from the table. “How sweet is your pussy, McKenzi? You’re so wet and glistening for me.” “Danny, please stop. I don’t think I can take much more.” “Then tell me what you want, my love. The smell of your cunt is intoxicating.” Fiery flicks of his tongue danced along the inside of her thighs. Now, she thought. Finally, he’s going to slip his tongue inside me and send me orbiting into the sky. He was full of surprises. Instead, he chose a pathway down the line where her hip and torso joined, moving in slow, wet motion across her cheek and edging closer to that soft rosebud opening. His tongue flicked and licked across her opening, eliciting a wounded cry from deep in the back of her throat.

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His tongue penetrated her anus, drawing in and out with sensually precise movements meant to drive her insane. Her hands clutched at the edges of the table as she flew in and out of a sexually charged and mindblowing twilight. He was gentle as he moved in and out of her, his hands squeezing her ass with loving pressure, and then his tongue pulled out and laved her opening with wave after wave of heated sensation. McKenzi couldn’t take it anymore. She released the edge of the table and gripped handfuls of his hair. “Jesus, Danny, stop teasing me.” She was almost crying now, her need for him desperate and all consuming. “You know what I want. Please...” “Then say it. I’m waiting.” He pulled her hips to the edge of the table and blew soft wisps of air into the path of her pussy. She nearly bucked off the table. “Eat me, Danny. Now. Please. Suck my pussy before I start screaming.” She pushed her hips forward in blatant invitation and screamed after all. She heard a wicked chuckle from him just before the first flick of his tongue against her clit generated the heat of a blow torch. She dropped her hands and rose to her elbows in pure reflex and watched in fascination at the sight of Danny’s dark head nestled between her open thighs. She watched his tongue slide in and out of her opening, laving her with first slow, then fast sworls of his tongue. She saw her own juices glistening on his lips. Erotic thoughts and feelings rocked her to the core, and she became shameless in pumping her hips 74

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against the demands of Danny’s mouth. He feasted on her like a man savoring his last meal. He was completely into pleasing her, knowing just when to be aggressive and when to pull back. He treated her pussy like his personal possession, burying his nose in her secrets, inhaling her scent, committing to memory every curve, fold, and line of her innermost body parts. And then he found her. That special place where heaven and hell meet and as the glorious sensations began their ascent, she dropped her head backward and simply went with the moment. Wave after wave of indescribable pleasure had her drowning in her own climax, and she floated along until the last wave slowly ebbed away, leaving her spent and weightless atop her kitchen table. When she was able to open her eyes, Danny watched her with steely-eyed passion as he shrugged out of his pants and boxers and kicked them aside. His cock sprang forward, thick, hard, thrilling to see, but debilitating in her need to touch him. She pulled herself upward and reached for him. She saw the hunger in his eyes, felt him swell and throb inside her palm, and she began to massage the taut skin, loving the feel of him, astonished yet again at his length and thickness. He gave her free will just long enough to give her some semblance of satisfaction. But then he pushed her back against the table and again grasped her hips until his penis was a hair’s breath from her entry. She couldn’t believe how hungry she was to be fucked. He had loved and cherished her with his mouth

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beyond comprehension, bringing her to a feverish and satisfying release. And yet... He was beautiful. Physically a work of art. And she wanted him inside her. He read her mind, and before she could think another thought, he plunged inside her. She felt the walls of her cunt absorb every inch of him, her cries of renewed ecstasy mingling with the hunger of his own passion. And when he pulled back slightly, her name fell from his lips in a raspy whisper as he rammed into her again as though desperate to weld her body with his own. She screamed as she reached for and met another shattering climax that shot off stars in her head and brought her crashing back to earth to land in the soft and comforting shelter that was Danny’s arms. Danny wasn’t far behind as he gave one final thrust, his hoarse grunt of release renting the air just before he collapsed against her. *** “Are you always this insatiable or has it been a while for you, too?” McKenzi’s breathless gasp erupted from her throat in a rush as she fell back against the sheets and stared up at Danny in wonder. He had just fucked her for the fourth time if she didn’t count the kitchen table. Sweat glistened on his forehead and across his torso as he merely grinned with male supremacy and laid his long body next to hers on the mattress. He propped his head on his elbow and splayed one hand on her belly, simply studying her as though he couldn’t get enough of 76

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her. “You had no trouble keeping up with me. I’d say we’re evenly matched.” “Are you complaining?” “Do I sound like I am?” McKenzi returned his good humor with a soft gurgle of laughter. “No, but I may complain tomorrow if I can’t walk due to a rather sore and tender part of my anatomy.” She expected him to laugh and crow with manly pride, so his reaction to the contrary startled her. He immediately raised up and sharply frowned. “Did I hurt you? Have I been too rough?” His voice took on a note of dire concern. “You must tell me, McKenzi. If I’ve hurt you in any way…” “Danny, calm down. I’m fine.” She sat up, perfectly comfortable with her nudity as she reached up to smooth his hair from his forehead. “I love the way we make love. I was teasing you. Every woman should be so lucky.” He didn’t even try to hide his relief, laying his forehead against hers and closing his eyes on a sigh. “I would never hurt you. You must believe that about me if nothing else.” His genuine concern moved her, and she placed a kiss on his lips to prove it. “You are the most unusual man I’ve ever met in my life. Where the hell did you come from, and how did I get so lucky to find you?” She laughed, remembering their first meeting. “I guess it’s more apt to say you found me.” “Wait here.”

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“What?” He surprised her yet again when he jumped up from the bed and walked bare-assed to the bathroom. She grinned, propping herself back against the pillows to enjoy the view. A quick rundown of his buttocks and thighs fueled her desire for him, but it was curiosity that caused her to call out his name. He turned around on his heel to face her. “Yes?” “That scar on the back of your leg. I just now noticed it.” Danny glanced down and shrugged. “It looks worse than it ever was. An unexpected encounter with a friend’s temperamental dog. It’s nothing.” “It looks familiar somehow. I know that sounds strange.” She shook her head and brushed the thought aside. “Never mind.” She heard water running for several minutes, and then Danny waltzed back into the room with a washcloth in his hands before rejoining her on the bed. “Raise your legs and open them for me.” “What? Why?” “Please.” Jesus, but he had the irresistible factor down pat. She obeyed and immediately closed her eyes on a decadent sigh. Danny placed the warm washcloth against her pussy, still throbbing from the workout of their lovemaking. He pressed the welcome heat into her with the ease of a considerate and passionate lover, and she no longer questioned how she could feel this way for a man she barely knew. When she opened her eyes again, it was to find him 78

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watching her with a tender, yet impossible to ignore sense of possessiveness. It should unnerve her to think he looked upon her as his private property. Strangely, it didn’t. And frankly, she kind of liked it. She also enjoyed his ministrations immensely until the cloth began to cool. He noticed as well and tossed it aside. “Better now? Or is there something else I can do for you.” His question carried with it a ton of meaning, one they both instantly understood. Instead, she smiled with catlike grace and uttered those two dreaded words between lovers. “Let’s talk.” Danny’s exaggerated groan had her laughing out loud. “You knew it was bound to happen. That I would start asking you questions about yourself. I know so little about you. Your family, what you do for a living, even why you live here in the same isolated place I live in.” “Did you call me insatiable a while ago?” She nodded. “But only to a point. You’ve sapped the very strength from me. I just want to lie here with you and hold you in my arms. Tomorrow we talk. Deal?” He sealed his plea with a kiss that warmed her blood and satisfied her curiosity for the moment. Just the thought of lying in Danny’s arms was enough to end a perfect evening on a perfect note. She nodded again with a heavy yawn, prompting Danny to chuckle in her ear. “You’re adorable. Now go to sleep.” He pulled the covers over both of them and waiting patiently.

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A sliver of moonlight cast its way through the window, illuminating the soft planes of McKenzi’s beautiful face as she slept. Danny listened to her even breathing and fought an impulse to stay with her. He was loathe to leave her, knowing he must return to the cold, dark forest alone without her. Every instinct, every need beckoned him to remain by her side, her warmth. But it wasn’t time. Not yet. But soon. He gently brushed her cheekbone with the backs of his fingers, careful not to awaken her but desperately wanting one last touch before he saw her again tomorrow. Tomorrow would come quickly, and at least he would be able to transform back this time without her help. Pride swelled in his chest to know he was getting stronger. With every touch, every kiss, with every sign of her faith and trust in him, his ability to transform grew easier. She stirred slightly and emitted a sound much like the mewl of a pampered kitten. He couldn’t help smiling at such a notion. Perhaps a kitten best described her when she slept and curled into the pillows with her hands tucked beneath her chin. But this woman was no helpless kitten. She was a tigress with a sensual nature that touched him far beyond his expectations. A warm, giving, and generous lover, but also passionate, demanding, and above all, unafraid. At least for the moment. A seed of doubt triggered a sign of warning inside his brain, but he refused to let it take root. I will return, my lovely McKenzi. Our destiny lies but a breath away. 80

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Moving through the darkened cottage, Danny’s two legs carried him out into the night. The moon glided over the trees while the cleansing smell of rain still lingered all around him. It put him in tune with every branch, every rock, every blade of grass. He had lived this existence, been a part of its mysteries for over two hundred years. But now, as his body stretched and twisted back into the creature, as four legs ran swiftly across the ground, and his tail lifted high behind his back, he let loose a howl straining with joy. To the untrained ear, those weak of heart would surely feel fear and dread circling around them. But Danny felt strong, invincible. His heart exploded inside his chest, and he had McKenzi to thank. Because of her, the curse was losing its power. It had bewitched him and taken his life as he knew it. But the curse had also promised him a better life, a life rich in love and commitment. And it was that life for which he fought so desperately. He would continue to fight for as long as it took to win his woman.

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Chapter Seven “You’ve what?” McKenzi laughed into the receiver. “You heard me, Steph. I’ve met someone.” A brief silence was quickly replaced by a loud squeal. Loud enough to make McKenzi yank the phone from her ear with a grimace. “Okay, give me details. Who is he? What’s his name? How did you meet? And most importantly, is he fuckable?” “You’re so bad.” McKenzi rolled her eyes, secretly glad Stephanie couldn’t see the telltale flush on her cheeks. “Why are you calling me? It’s not Sunday.” “I heard some interesting news I wanted to share. But first, tell me what’s going on. You haven’t even been there a week.” “I don’t know. He was just there one morning while I was picking fresh flowers for the dining room table. I’ve never been all that crazy about daisies, but they’re actually very pretty. Did you know...” “McKenzi!” Stephanie’s whine rose with her frustration. “I don’t want to hear about your damn flowers. Let’s start over. What’s his name?” McKenzi hesitated, uncertain if she should have even started this conversation. It was still too new, too special. She decided she’d give Stephanie the edited version. She perched on the kitchen counter and crossed her ankles. “His name is Danny. Daniel Braddock, to be precise.” 82

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“Danny? I like that. And what does he look like?” “Are you asking for the G-rated version or the Xrated version?” Stephanie’s sigh easily defined her quick assessment of the matter. “That good, huh? God, I’m jealous. For you to think a man deserves an X-rated description means he must be a hunk. And hung to boot.” She paused, silence filtering through the receiver. “Although you wouldn’t know that unless...” McKenzi bothered a chipped fingernail. “Unless what?” “You’ve already had sex with him, haven’t you.” Sex in just about every way you can think of! And in every room... “That’s none of your business.” Stephanie scoffed. “Who are you talking to? Of course, it’s my business. So what is he? A forest ranger or something?” “No. At least I don’t think so.” “What do you mean you don’t think so?” “I haven’t asked him what he does for a living. Frankly, I don’t care.” “Oh. I see.” The distinct change in Stephanie’s tone brought McKenzi’s head up. “You see what?” “I see this is obviously just a fuck fest. It’s research for your book, right? You took my hint that a man would be just what you needed to start burning up those pages, as you so aptly put it.” McKenzi frowned, not sure she appreciated her best friend’s interpretation of the situation. Especially after

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last night when those strange feelings had stirred inside her. Feelings she wasn’t quite ready to put a name to. But a fuck fest? Is that what it would have looked like had someone seen them last night? Is that how Danny saw it? That first night may have been all about sex. But yesterday morning and well into the night? It hadn’t been all about sex. Danny had been all about pleasing her, loving her like a woman only dreams of being made love to. He had brought her to heights she didn’t know existed, made her feel things, and made her respond not only to his passion and sensuality, but to her own as well. Just the mere suggestion that it could be relegated to something meaningless made it sound dirty and superficial. She hadn’t felt either of those things in his arms. He had made her feel desirable, wanted, and she had even entertained the notion she might be falling in love with him. Suddenly the subject with Stephanie became distasteful. And one she needed to change. “Okay, enough about me. Anything new on my tenants? You haven’t scared them off, have you?” “Did I touch a nerve or something?” Stephanie knew her too well. “If I’m off base, just say so. But you know I would never judge you, Mac. I thought you were nuts to move to such an isolated place, and I certainly didn’t expect there to be a whole lot of prospects running around the neighborhood. Apparently I was wrong. Unless...” She giggled suddenly from her end. 84

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“Unless what?” “Unless you recruited someone to help you with your research. Please tell me you didn’t find him in the yellow pages from one of those sleazy escort services. Even I have better taste than that.” Oh, yes, big mistake to think she was ready to talk about Danny to anyone. Even her best friend. If she hadn’t yet figured out what he meant to her, how could she expect anyone else to understand? “In answer to your question, I met him exactly the way I said I did. But I don’t want to talk about Danny any more. We barely know each other.” She cleared her throat to prevent a spasm of serious choking and coughing on that little white lie. “You know him well enough to have already had sex.” “I never said that. That was your jealousy talking.” Before Stephanie could keep up her barrage of questions, McKenzi threw in one of her own. “You said you had something interesting to tell me. What’s that about?” Stephanie inflated her sigh of disappointment. “Okay, I get the message. But I reserve the right to bring it up again in the not too distant future.” She obediently changed the subject. “Guess who I ran into on the street this afternoon?” “I can’t imagine.” “Madame Barrineau.” “Who?” “You know, that strange little lady who lives on the west side with a house full of cats and that neon sign

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above her front door. She does palm readings, astrology, the tarot cards. All that stuff.” “Yeah, I remember now. What about her?” “She asked about you.” “About me?” “Yeah. She said she had dreamed about you the night before and was worried that something had happened to you. You should have seen her reaction when I told her you had moved to this little town in Virginia. When I mentioned the name Lupus, I thought the poor woman was going to faint at my feet. She started muttering all kinds of jibberish. I thought she was going to start hyperventilating, and I had to help her over to the stoop to sit down.” McKenzi pictured the dainty woman with the reddish bob and the outlandish clothing. “That’s odd, even for her. Is she okay now?” “I guess. She hurried home after that, but I distinctly heard her mutter something about witches and curses, and she told me I should warn you that danger lurks in the woods. She said you needed to get out of there before it was too late.” “Too late for what?” “How the hell do I know? I sell women’s lingerie. You’re the one who should have some idea where she’s coming from since you’re on the same plane she is. Sorta.” ”Just because I write paranormal doesn’t mean I believe in it. It’s just writing, Steph. Fun escapism.” “Well, I’ve never put much stock in the afterworld and strange phenomena. But Madame Barrineau’s 86

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behavior was bizarre, to say the least. Don’t you watch television anymore?” “Not here, I don’t. I wanted peace and quiet to concentrate on my writing.” “So how’s that working out for you? Or should I come down there and ask Danny?” “Goodbye, Stephanie. I’ll talk to you soon.” McKenzi didn’t give Stephanie a chance to return the goodbyes. She jumped down from the counter and replaced the receiver, a half frown pulling her mouth down. Why would her moving to Lupus have caused Madame Barrineau to react in such a strange way? And what did witches, curses, and danger have to do with anything? It was probably just the ramblings of a lonely old woman with too much time on her hands. Danny. He had lived here longer than she. She wondered if he had heard stories. Only one way to find out. She’d simply ask him later this evening. Until then, no sense standing around pining for his return. It was as good a time as any to resume unpacking. She glanced around at the boxes still stacked in various corners. Had it not been for Danny, she’d be all moved in by now and ready to get back to her keyboard. And had it not been for Danny, I wouldn’t be feeling on top of the world right now. The argument was good enough to send her whistling on her way back to work.

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*** “Why did you leave last night?” McKenzi locked her hands around Danny’s waist and lifted her chin. His eyes were warm and greener than usual. They had a way of pulling her into the very essence of him, filling her with heat and a sense of being protected and safe in his arms. “I turned over, and you were gone.” Danny kissed the tip of her nose and braced his hands alongside her neck. “You needed your rest, and so did I. Had I stayed, neither one of us would have gotten any sleep.” “You may be right. But I should have had the right to vote. In case you didn’t notice, I quite enjoyed myself yesterday.” Her eyes twinkled, and she made no effort to hide her pleasure. Neither was she shy. She wanted him to know exactly how he made her feel, how much she enjoyed the things he had done to her, the things they had done together. “I’ve never had such unbelievable sex before. I’ve had bad sex, mediocre sex, and even pleasant sex. But never like it was with you. I feel like I’m alive for the first time in my life.” She traced the outline of his incredible mouth with one finger. “You can bring more pleasure with your mouth, your lips, and your tongue than any man I’ve ever known.” Danny quirked an eyebrow at her, though his voice was teasing. “I thought you said there weren’t that many lovers before me.” “Jealous?” She blossomed at the thought and 88

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squeezed him tighter. It earned her a smack on her ass. “Jealousy is for weak men which I am not. In fact, you make me stronger every day, and you don’t even realize it.” If there was a hidden message in his words, McKenzi took it as a compliment. “As I said, I’ve had only a few lovers. My best friend is far more experienced and promiscuous than I am, and I don’t recall her ever proclaiming to have had sex this fabulous.” “Is great sex all there is between us?” His question caught her completely off guard. She stood back to study his expression. He looked serious. Very. “Why would you ask me such a question, Danny? So far it has been pretty much all about sex but I’m not complaining.” He wasn’t deterred by her honesty. His hands bracketed his hips as he performed his own perusal from her head down to her toes and back up again. “You are a woman made for loving, McKenzi. I find it quite impossible to be in the same room with you without wanting to partake of every God given inch of your soft skin, those incredible eyes that can make a man drown in their depths. Those lips...” He reached out one hand to trace the outline of her mouth, moving on to every feature of her face. He surprised her further when he closed his eyes as though trying to commit her to memory, each touch, each caress like the brush of a feather. He opened his eyes but didn’t stop exploring. He stepped closer to her and laid his hand on her breast.

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She didn’t object when he cupped her in his palm and squeezed lightly. “See how perfectly your breast fits in my hand?” His fingers glided down the center of her stomach, slowly, provocatively, his warmth scorching her through the thin cotton of her blouse. She swallowed hard, feeling the familiar bullet of heat start exploding between her legs. But when Danny’s hand cupped her through the material, she moaned out loud, shocked and amazed at how quickly he could make her flame for him. She didn’t need to feel his naked hand. Just the pressure of him holding her there, kneading her, and fondling her, made her wet for him. Danny’s supreme look of satisfaction said he knew exactly what he was doing to her. She wanted to take umbrage at his superiority. Felt strongly she should push him away to let him know he didn’t own her. But she was powerless to do so. In that instant, he did own her. And she gloried in the knowledge of it. “Do you see how you are made for loving, McKenzi?” His hands switched positions and cupped her ass. His cock pulsed against her middle, drawing a gasp of pleasure from her. Her knees would have buckled had Danny’s hold on her not been so strong. “You are made for loving me and I you. There will be no other lovers from here on after. Not for you, not for me. You are mine, and I am yours. Is that understood?” A spark of McKenzi’s strong streak of independence rose to the forefront, and she was torn between bristling at his alpha male behavior and swooning at his 90

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cave man tactics. She had no time to practice either as Danny’s lips swooped in and captured her mouth in a passionate kiss that was over as quickly as it had begun. When he abruptly set her away from him and left the cottage, McKenzi couldn’t have been more surprised. The imprint of his kiss still burned, and she gently traced her fingers over her swollen lips. “What the hell has gotten into him?”

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Chapter Eight Lupus, Virginia. McKenzi plugged in the words on her laptop, only to have a hundred or more results to choose from. She clicked on the most popular one and scanned the bullets for each topic. “Communities. Business. Citizen Services. Employment. Government. Blah, blah, blah.” She clicked on the second result, followed by the third, fourth, and fifth. All pretty much the same. Nothing unusual. Nothing to catch the eye and make one click the mouse to read more. “What did you expect? A special feature on curses and witches living in the dark forests of Lupus?” McKenzi sighed with disappointment but didn’t give up. She hadn’t gotten this far in her writing career not to have learned a thing or two about researching online. She tried a different tactic. When in doubt, simply spell it out. Curses in Lupus, Virginia. Again no luck unless she wanted to read among other things a period piece about the abolitionists cursing aloud in order to have their primary principles heard. Next she tried different variations on curses, types of curses, and even modern day curses. She read everything she pulled up on witches, werewolves, legends, folklore, and possession. Before she knew it, hours had passed, and she had found nothing worthy of 92

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interest. She pushed her laptop away and stretched her arms above her head to bring relief to her tired muscles. What the hell am I doing? She took a deep sigh and rolled her shoulders, using her hands to massage her neck into some semblance of comfort. She then took a break to fix herself a glass of iced tea and a handful of cookies. Perhaps a snack would give her new perspective. She sat back down again at the table and stared at the screen, nibbling on a cookie while letting her mind wander at will. God, if Danny had any idea what she was doing. If he didn’t think her crazy before, he would now. But there were simply too many strange things happening for her to ignore. She ticked them off one by one in her mind. Danny’s green eyes. His limping on the same morning I pulled the thorn from the wolf’s leg. The warnings of Madame Barrineau. Danny’s ability to sneak up on me without making a sound. The scar on his hind leg. And not least of all, his strange arrivals and sudden disappearances. What did it all mean? To a writer of paranormal, it sounded like the makings of a great spook story. But Danny was no ghost. He was flesh and blood. Six feet plus of solid muscle with the most beautifully hypnotic stare she’d ever seen and a cock and a set of balls to be envied by every stallion ever entered in the Kentucky

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Derby. And yet, what did she really know about Danny other than his physical assets and capabilities? Or his insatiable appetite for sex in every position imaginable? Danny. Daniel Braddock. McKenzi’s eyes widened, and she popped the last of her cookie into her mouth. Why didn’t she think of it sooner? She’d simply google him. When she typed in his name, several Daniel Braddocks popped up in different parts of the country. It was, after all, a common enough name. She then narrowed her search to Virginia and was surprised to see the name three times. The first was a veterinarian living in a town she’d never heard of, but a quick check indicated it was a good four hour drive from Lupus. The second Daniel Braddock was a high school principal teaching on the outskirts of Lupus whose personal website served as a shrine to his love for screen goddesses from the thirties and forties. And his bio listed his birthdate, making him not much younger than the women he professed to adore. She almost didn’t bother to read up on the third Daniel Braddock who mysteriously disappeared in 1806, two hundred years ago. Disappointment riddled her insides, quickly followed by a prick of curiosity. She clicked her mouse over the photo link and bit into another cookie while she waited. When the man’s dark features filled the screen, McKenzi’s throat constricted, and she started choking violently. She jumped up from her chair in disbelief, but her 94

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immediate concern was not to choke to death. She jerked up her iced tea and drank until the last bits of cookie had washed down. Replacing her glass on the table, she slowly made her way back to her chair and eased down onto the seat. She stared at the screen in front of her, even blinked several times to ensure her imagination wasn’t playing tricks on her. It was Danny! Or a picture of Danny. Resplendent in an 1800's wool coat, white shirt and silk tie, and brocade vest capped off by a Victorian top hat, the man was the spitting image of Danny. My Danny. Though in black and white, there was no question in her mind the man in the photo was Danny. Or at the very least, Danny was a look-alike descendant of this man. That was by far the more acceptable explanation. “Okay, Danny boy from two hundred years ago. Let’s find out the details of your falling off the face of the earth.” McKenzi read through the narrative to learn that Daniel Braddock was a prominent doctor in his day, a graduate of Harvard University with degrees and honors up his wazoo. The piece highlighted several articles he had written both during and after his attendance at Harvard and gave pertinent details of his personal life including family, siblings, and hobbies. But it was the last topic of discussion that caught and held her attention. It was written that, at the time of his disappearance, Braddock had just called off his engagement to one Charlotte von Rudenborg, a flame-

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haired divorcee whose social class many believed to be beneath the wealth and stature of the Braddock clan. Braddock’s mysterious disappearance dominated the headlines for weeks to come, only to die down when the doctor’s tattered and bloodied overcoat was found deep in the woods less than two miles from the Braddock home. Though his remains were never found, popular opinion decreed the poor man died at the mercy of the wolves thought to prowl the very grounds on which Braddock’s coat was discovered. Holy shit. Dazed by her findings, McKenzi sat back against her chair and closed her eyes. It was preposterous to think what she was thinking. And yet there it was playing out in vivid color inside her writer’s imagination. Again, the most logical explanation was that the missing Daniel Braddock was simply an ancestor of Danny’s. Or so her common sense told her. There was only one way to find out. She hurried to the phone and punched in the numbers for operator assistance. Why the hell she hadn’t asked Danny for his phone number before now was beyond her. “What city and state, please?” “Lupus, Virginia.” “What listing?” “Daniel Braddock.” McKenzi waited somewhat impatiently for the recording to give her Danny’s phone number. “One moment please while we connect you to an operator.” McKenzi chewed on her fingernail, patience not one 96

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of her strong suits. A male operator came on the line and asked her to repeat her listing. “Oh. Hi. I’d like the number for a Daniel Braddock, please.” Silence ensued for a brief moment before the same male voice responded. “I’m sorry, Ma’am, but we have no listing in that name.” “Excuse me? You mean the number is unlisted?” “No, Ma’am. I mean we have no listing for that name. Do you perhaps have an address?” Yeah, somewhere in the thick of the woods about two miles from my thick of the woods. “No. No, I’m sorry, I don’t. Thank you for your help.” Sighing, McKenzi replaced the receiver and eyed her boots in the corner. Damn. *** I must be crazy. Those words played like a mantra inside McKenzi’s head as she closed the door behind her. An immediate blast of wind slapped against her cheeks. Darkness had already fallen, and temperatures had dropped well below what she felt the night she had gotten lost in the woods. But she had to do this. She had to confront Danny and hopefully get some satisfactory conclusion to her growing suspicions. She ran to her car, using her remote to unlock the driver’s side and quickly slid onto the interior. Shivering against the cold, she was confident warm

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air would soon fill the inside. “Damn, damn, damn!” She beat her hands against the steering wheel in frustration. This couldn’t be happening again! She dropped her forehead and shook her head. This was no coincidence that her car wouldn’t start. She knew instinctively it was a trick of fate. One designed to make her feel like a helpless female whose next course of action would be to start weeping uncontrollably and raving at the heavens for making her life hell. “We’ll just see who wins this round,” McKenzi shouted at no one in particular. “I am not a helpless female, and I refuse to fall apart like a silly school girl.” She emerged from her car and slammed the door. A second’s worth of satisfaction was better than none. She scooped the collar of her coat around her neck and burrowed her hands deep inside her pockets. She knew she was taking a risk venturing out into the woods again. Especially with the temperatures falling and no moon in sight. But this couldn’t wait until morning. She had to see Danny. She had to make sense out of her doubts and suspicions before they got the better of her. She ran back inside her cottage just long enough to grab a flashlight and the baseball bat. At least this time she’d be a little bit more prepared should she encounter things she’d rather not encounter. Ominous was a good word to describe the woods looming just in front of her. Putting one foot in front of the other, she tried not to notice how every tree, stump, and underbrush seemed to take on a life all their own. She felt small, dwarfed, completely out of her 98

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league to head alone into such a dark and frightening place. There were no trails to stay on, nothing discernible to even mark a trail. And she was fresh out of bread crumbs. Still she kept trudging, determined to find Danny’s cottage. And Danny. The biting cold seeped through her jacket, and she tried hard to ignore all the strange sounds and rustlings coming at her from every angle. She stared straight ahead, using her flashlight to guide her through the thick foliage. She didn’t see the stump until it was too late and tripping, she pitched forward and threw her hands out to break her fall. “Damnit.” The impact caused her flashlight to go out and the baseball bat to go sailing. She immediately started rummaging through the leaves and dirt in search of one or the other. A low pitched growl followed by a thunderous roar echoed through the trees, sending McKenzi to her feet in a frenzy. “Jesus! What the hell was that?” She didn’t need to strain to hear the commotion. It sounded within a hair’s distance from her. The screams and shrieks seemed to blend one into the other, and she knew there was no way they belonged to human beings. She could only imagine what kind of animals had chosen to spar to the death. Death for one seemed imminent, and when the smell of blood pushed its way into her nostrils, she thought she would gag from the stench. Terror took hold of her senses, its message loud and

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clear. Run! She forgot all about her flashlight and bat. Pure adrenalin and instinct guided her back the way she came. Her heart pumped at the same rate her legs carried her. When she saw the lights of her cottage in the distance, she almost screamed with relief but didn’t stop running. She ran and ran until her fingers miraculously found the doorknob. She pushed herself inside and slammed the door behind her with such force, she thought she had pulled it from its hinges. Her breath came in ragged sobs as hysterical laughter threatened to bubble over. She dropped her body into a chair and pitched forward, burying her face in her hands while she willed her body to stop trembling. It was foolish to have even tried such a ridiculous jaunt into the night, and she had only herself to blame. Stephanie was right. She did have her own Blair Witch Project going on. And maybe Stephanie was right about something else. Maybe she didn’t belong here. Maybe it was true you can take the girl out of the city, but you can’t take the city out of the girl. Danny, where are you? I need you. His image flashed across her brain. She would have given anything at that moment for him to walk through her door and pull her into his arms. To hell with her doubts and suspicions where he was concerned. She stood up and took a deep breath before ensuring she had locked and bolted her door. 100

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Okay, pull yourself together. You’re safe here. To make herself feel even safer, she moved to the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of scotch. Not her favorite spirit. She intended it for her brothers on their next visit. But tonight it was all hers. She didn’t really think whatever creatures fought so viciously in the woods would pay her a visit. But on the off chance they did, it wouldn’t hurt to get rip roaring drunk. That way she wouldn’t feel a thing. *** McKenzi slowly opened her eyes. A noise. Something. Whatever it was stirred her from her sleep. Her back ached,and her limbs were stiff. She took a moment to gather her senses and looked around the room. What time was it? She looked up at the curtains and saw that light was barely visible above the ruffle. It was morning. And then she remembered. Too scared to crawl into bed last night, she had sat in the chair with her bottle of scotch, hoping to get drunk and thus block out the pain of her own death. But she was still alive. Though she couldn’t tell it from the pounding inside her head. God, how much had she had to drink? She glanced at the bottle and saw it was still over half full. What a joke. How could she forget one glass could knock her on her ass? Slowly rising from the chair, she let out a yelp to feel her circulation returning. The only thing that would help her sanity return would be coffee. And lots

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of it. She returned the scotch to the cabinet and reached for the coffee pot. There it was again. The noise that had first startled her from her restless sleep. And it came from outside her door. A feeling of deja vu washed over her. Strangely, she wasn’t frightened. Perhaps because things always looked brighter in the morning. Or so her mother was fond of telling her. She stifled a yawn and tried to put last night’s madness behind her. At least no one had witnessed her foolish behavior. She unbolted and unlocked the door and pulled it wide. Fully expecting to find her furry friend had returned, she fell to her knees with a cry. “Danny!”

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Chapter Nine Fear snaked through McKenzi’s body as she turned Danny over. He was naked and ice cold and covered in blood from dozens of gashes and scratches etched into his skin and torso. His eyes were closed, and she heard him mutter her name over and over. She didn’t know where to touch him first for fear of hurting him more. But she couldn’t leave him where he was. She had to get him inside, get him warm again. Wind and cold air blasted through her clothes, but she ignored the discomfort to work feverishly at getting Danny inside. “Danny, you’ve got to help me. I can’t lift you up by myself. Please. Help me.” She pushed one hand underneath him and threw her other arm around his waist, using all of her strength to help him to his feet. Though obviously dazed and weak, Danny somehow managed to rise and lean on McKenzi as she struggled to get his hulking form inside the warm walls of the cottage. It seemed to take forever, but somehow she managed to stumble with him to her bed. There was nothing graceful about the way she dropped him onto the mattress, but at least he now had a soft cushioning underneath him. She didn’t care about the blood and dirt marring the sheets. He still shivered uncontrollably, and she maneuvered his long frame as best she could until he looked somewhat comfortable. Before she covered him,

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she did a quick rundown of his injuries, relieved to see none appeared to be life threatening. Adjusting the pillows beneath his head, she leaned down and smoothed her fingers across his forehead. No signs of fever, for which she was thankful. There wasn’t a scratch on his face. Even semi-conscious, he exuded male beauty, and she couldn’t fight the impulse to brush her lips softly against his. “Danny? Can you hear me? I’ll be right back. I’m just going to try and get a fire started. We’re going to find out if I was paying attention. I’ll be back as soon as I can with the first aid kit.” Confident he wouldn’t try to get up, McKenzi returned to the living room and scooped up three logs from the basket. Stacking them in the fireplace, she mentally recalled watching Danny the other night when he started a fire for them just before he made love to her for the fifth time. She had to concentrate extra hard. Her brain apparently didn’t want to cooperate. It was too busy conjuring up the memory of his spectacular backside as he leaned over the hearth in all his naked glory. “Stop it, McKenzi. If you ever want to see that beautiful birthday suit again, then pay attention to what you’re doing.” She almost clapped her hands in glee when her mission was met with success. In no time at all she had the beginnings of a fire that promised to catch without her having to stay and babysit it. She then ran into the bathroom and retrieved the kit from underneath the sink. Filling a small bowl with 104

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warm water, she grabbed a couple of hand towels and antibiotic ointment and carried everything back to her bedroom. She nearly dropped everything when she saw Danny struggling to rise. “Danny. Are you nuts?” She hurried over to the table and laid her armful down. Gently, she braced her hands against his chest, eased him back down on the bed, and covered him up before tucking the covers securely around his body. “Danny, please lie still. You’re hurt. You’ve got to let me help you.” Danny’s eyes fluttered open, and he blinked several times. He didn’t seem to focus on her at first, but she knew the moment his vision cleared, and he recognized her. “Mc...McKenzi? You’re safe. She...she didn’t hurt you?” “I’m fine. Who didn’t hurt me?” “I...I had to know. I...I had to get to you before...” His voice trailed off, and his eyes closed again. She had no clue what he was talking about. She only knew exhaustion had overtaken him and was grateful to see him pass out. He needed to be cleaned up, and she didn’t need him fighting her at every turn. Perching on the side of the bed, she pulled the covers down to his waist. Though she recalled scratches on his back and shoulders, they had looked insignificant compared to those on his chest and abdomen. Not one was overly deep, and she doubted there’d be any scarring. But she didn’t want infection to sit in. God only knew what had attacked him.

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The wolf. Had her wolf attacked Danny? Had Danny been on his way to see her and encountered the wolf? Danny could have thought the wolf was a danger to her. That would explain what he meant, that he had to get to her before she was hurt. Assumptions were a waste of time for the moment. She’d simply ask Danny when he was conscious and feeling better. She reached for one of the wash cloths and dipped it in the warm water. With as gentle a touch as she could muster, she cleaned each wound, trying to remove as much dirt and blood as possible. He groaned a few times and stirred but remained still for the most part. When she was confident she had cleaned every visible scratch, she massaged the ointment into each cut, wincing when her ministrations caused him just the slightest discomfort. Then she covered him once more and lifted the comforter to expose him from the thighs down. He had thighs as solid as tree trunks with perfectly proportioned calves and feet. Bruises marred his tanned skin, but she didn’t see any wounds that needed immediate attention. With the covers back in place, she swallowed hard as she focused on the one area of his anatomy she hadn’t yet inspected. She felt naughty. Like a voyeur. But hey, nurses didn’t second guess their actions when it entailed making sure their patient wasn’t severely injured. You’re not a nurse, McKenzi. Maybe the closest 106

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thing Danny has to one right now, but you know you want to peek. It’s your duty. Right now he can’t help himself. She chewed the inside of her cheek. She couldn’t believe she was feeling shy about checking him out. What was the big deal? “It’s not like I haven’t seen him before. Or touched him. Felt him. Tasted him.” It was enough to set her conscience at ease. She lifted the comforter higher and grinned like a Cheshire cat. It was still there. Even flaccid, the man was hung to jaw-dropping proportions. Not a scratch on him. And born to rise again. Although... She shook her head, certain it was simply her imagination. Still, she studied his penis closer. Men were naturally hairy. Danny was hairy. But if she didn’t know better, she’d swear he had grown thicker just since their last time together. Tempted to touch the new growth with her fingers, she moved her hand closer, then came to her senses. Leave the poor guy alone. Here he is wounded and all you can think about is that wonderful playground nestled between his legs. She covered him once more, and reached for the water bowl. She heard him stir, and when she glanced over at him, she found those haunting green eyes open and staring directly at her. “You caught me.” She grinned and sat down, not feeling in the least embarrassed now. He certainly didn’t look embarrassed. “How do you feel?”

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Danny’s lips parted. He spoke so softly, she had to lean closer to make out what he was saying. “Thirsty.” The one word came out like a rasp. “Of course. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it sooner. Be right back.” McKenzi hurried to the kitchen and filled a glass of water. She grabbed a straw from the drawer on her way back. She helped him raise his head slightly off the pillow and held the straw against his lips. He drank greedily as though he hadn’t had anything to drink for a while. He relaxed and again closed his eyes. “Better?” He only nodded slightly. “Danny? Are you still awake? Can you talk?” When he didn’t respond, McKenzi realized he was out cold again. “Jesus. What the hell happened to you out there?” She felt his forehead again. Still no fever. And yet he was utterly exhausted. Maybe he just needed to sleep it off. Nothing for her to do but keep herself busy and hope he came around soon. That wasn’t as easy as it sounded. She was full of questions about so many things. Danny seemed to be the one who could answer so many of them. Or at least help her make sense of them. As he slept on through the day, she checked on him periodically. In the interim, she found time to finish unpacking the last set of boxes, fixed herself a light dinner of soup and crackers, and then curled up in the chair next to her bed with her laptop to map out an 108

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outline for her next book. She had barely turned it on and stroked a few keys when Danny caught her attention. “Charlotte?” She looked up sharply when she heard him mutter the woman’s name. Charlotte. Where had she heard that name before? She laid her laptop aside and moved over to the bed. Danny seemed to be in the midst of a dream. He became restless, his large body swelling beneath the covers as though he felt trapped and was desperate to free himself. “Charlotte, you mustn’t do this. You have to let me go.” His head turned from side to side, his voice husky as though in great distress. “Danny? Danny, wake up.” McKenzi braced her hands on both sides of his face and willed him to open his eyes. “Look at me. It’s McKenzi. You’re dreaming. Open your eyes.” Danny continued to thrash his arms, his handsome features contorted as though in pain. “I don’t love you, Charlotte. Our engagement was a farce.” Engagement? McKenzi stopped talking and listened. “It’s McKenzi. I love McKenzi. You must let me go to her.” McKenzi raised up, feeling as though her heart would explode into a million pieces. Danny just professed his love for her. To hell with the fact that he was semi-conscious. Or dreaming. And yet...

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“Oh my God!” She suddenly remembered where she had heard that name. Her stomach coiled, and she felt sick. Charlotte. The name of the fiancee of the 1800's Daniel Braddock! The divorcee from whom Daniel had broken off their engagement. What the hell was going on? How could he profess his love for her to a woman who had lived over two hundred years ago? McKenzi jumped to her feet and paced the floor back and forth. It was just a coincidence. Charlotte could be any number of women. He’s delirious. Something awful happened out there in the woods last night. He doesn’t know what he’s saying. She glanced down at him again, relieved to see he had calmed somewhat. “Danny?” She spoke his name softly, hoping to see his eyes open. But still he slept, and she sighed with her frustration. She pulled her chair closer and sat down. Foregoing her laptop this time, she decided to simply sit and wait for Danny to wake up. She felt her eyelids drooping. She was exhausted now. She stifled a yawn and sat straighter in the chair. “McKenzi?” When she heard her name, she immediately rushed over to him. His eyes opened fully, and she knew he recognized her. “Hi. I was starting to think you were never going to wake up.” He cleared his throat. “How long?” “How long have you been asleep? For several hours. 110

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It’s already late into the evening.”” “You look tired.” He still sounded quite groggy but coherent. “I hope my snoring didn’t keep you from resting.” He tried a weak smile, failing miserably. “No snoring. Though you did quite a bit of talking.” She helped him sit slowly up in the bed. He winced as he leaned back against the frame. He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them to again look at her with blatant confusion. “I talked in my sleep? What did I say?” McKenzi sat down on the edge of the bed. “Not a whole lot, but what you did say was quite interesting. I’m not sure where to begin. But first, how do you feel? You must be starving.” She saw him glance down to inspect his wounds. “Are you in pain? They don’t look serious. There’s just so many of them.” Danny reached out and took her hand. Despite his weakened state, his grip was firm as steel. “Thank you.” His words were simple, spoken on a note of genuine appreciation. “Thank me for what? All I did was bring you out of the cold and clean you up a little bit. I couldn’t exactly leave you there.” “Maybe you should have.” She eyed him curiously. “What does that mean?” He leaned his head back again and sighed, training his gaze on the ceiling. “Do I even have the right to ask this of you? How can I expect you to understand?” “Danny, ask me what? What is it? What happened out there? When I first brought you in here, you mumbled something about having to get to me before

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she hurt me. Who is she?” That brought his attention sharply back to her. He let go of her hand and moved to cup the back of her neck. “There are so many things I need to tell you. I should have before now. But I can’t. At least not yet. Soon the time will come.” “Could you be any vaguer?” She frowned with her sarcasm. “Just so you’ll know, I went looking for you last night. There were things I needed to ask you. So many things that don’t make sense.” She shuddered at the memory of what she had almost intruded upon. “But then I heard the most horrific fighting going on. It sounded like two animals going at each other’s throats. I was too scared to stick around so I ran. I ran back to the cottage and bolted the door. I must have fallen asleep. The next thing I knew it was morning, and I found you huddled on my doorstep.” Unwittingly, she leaned in closer to him and surprised them both by kissing him softly on his mouth. It was suddenly so important that he understand how frightened she was when she found him. She deepened the kiss, her tongue probing the inside of his mouth, wanting to drink him in, taste him, convince herself he was safe now. Danny’s hand moved upward to tangle in her hair, and he returned her kiss, sensually, passionately, letting her know things between them hadn’t changed. He still found her desirable, still wanted her. But there were still so many unanswered questions. She pulled away with great reluctance, not quite ready to break the contact. She pressed her forehead against 112

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his and sighed on a long breath. “Danny, please tell me what happened. What happened to you out there last night?” Expecting him to confide in her, she didn’t expect his violent reaction when he suddenly pushed her away with an anguished groan. He pitched forward in the bed, clutching his stomach. “Danny? What is it? What’s wrong?” “Go away, McKenzi.” Through clenched teeth, he shouted the words at her, refusing her attempts to help him. “Leave me. I don’t want you to see me like this.” “Danny, I don’t understand. If you’re sick...” She frantically tried to put her arms around him to ease him back on the bed. But he pushed her again, violently this time. She fell backward and onto the floor. She didn’t have time to be angry. She watched in amazement as Danny tore back the covers and dropped to his feet, stumbling and pushing any obstacle out of his way. He had already made it to the next room before she could react. She screamed out his name as she scrambled to her feet to follow him. She saw her front door fly open and Danny disappear into the night. Unmindful of the biting cold and pumped with fear for Danny’s safety, McKenzi ran after him as fast as her legs would carry her. But what she saw next was so unexpected, so completely unfathomable, she stopped in her tracks as though a brick wall had suddenly risen in front of her. Her hands flew to her mouth, but she couldn’t scream. It was as though her throat had frozen shut, and all sense of reality vanished.

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She stared at the scene unfolding before her as pain and terror sliced through her middle. She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. The world started spinning around her, thrusting her into a scene so unimaginable she thought her heart would explode right out of her chest. She dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around her stomach as she rocked back and forth on the hard dirt. This wasn’t happening. It wasn’t real. She had to be dreaming. But her pain had become so intense, she knew she wasn’t dreaming. And she wasn’t crazy. She couldn’t even cry. All she could do was sit there and try to absorb the sight of Danny, naked and wounded, clawing at the ground as his body contorted and stretched beyond recognition. Through a haze of shock and disbelief, she watched the wolf inhale deeply of the night and turn to her with green eyes that speared her with their brilliance. He sniffed, bearing his teeth and emitting a low, guttural growl as though trying to communicate with her in some way. But then he took flight, and in an instant, he fled into the thick of the woods and was gone.

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Chapter Ten McKenzi stood beneath the stinging spray of the shower and tried to concentrate on nothing but the hot needles digging into her skin. She felt drained, unable to move or think rational thoughts. Exhausted, with little or no sleep since the events two nights ago, she didn’t know what kept her standing when all she really wanted to do was fall to her knees and scream. But she couldn’t scream. She couldn’t even cry. She was numb. She suspected she might even be in shock. What else could describe her current state of mind? She hadn’t imagined what she saw. It hadn’t been a dream. It wasn’t even a nightmare. People woke up from nightmares. What happened was real. And somehow she had to come to terms with it. Come to terms with the unfathomable reality that Danny, the man she had fallen hopelessly in love with, wasn’t human. Or at least was only part human. The other part of him... She slapped her hands over her ears as though it would drown out those words that defined the reality of what she had witnessed. Danny is a wolf. I saw him with my own eyes. I saw him morph from a human being into a four-legged creature with fur, teeth, a tail. Why wasn’t she laughing? Just the idea was hysterical. And one hundred percent impossible. Wasn’t it?

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He hadn’t returned since that night. Neither had the wolf. She wasn’t even sure what she would have done had either one appeared. She had made a career out of creating paranormal heroes and heroines with supernatural powers, delighting in the kick it gave her to interweave powerful and invincible characters into gripping stories of fantasy and escapism. But this was no work of fiction. She had to face that fact. And in doing so, she had to face the cold, hard facts about Danny himself. The reality had been staring her in the face all along. She had just been too caught up in the excitement of having a man like Danny come into her life with no warning. From the moment they met, there had been a connection worth pursuing. But never in a million years would she have dreamed that falling in love with a perfect stranger could sound so elementary when compared to falling in love with a stranger who was part human, part wolf. McKenzi didn’t know how long she had stood underneath the shower. Only when the hot water had cooled and left her shivering did she realize she’d been in a self-imposed trance for quite a while. She turned off the shower head and reached for a towel, her movements mechanical as she dried herself off and went through the motions of donning clean pajamas and brushing the tangles from her hair. Her hands shook as she blow dried her hair into soft waves hanging around her face. She brushed her teeth and on a whim gave herself a quick manicure if for no other 116

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reason than to restore some semblance of normalcy to her life. The sudden jarring of the telephone was enough to let her know life still existed outside her cottage. She grabbed it on the third ring, relieved to hear Stephanie’s voice. Sunday. Stephanie had said she’d call on Sunday night. “Are you okay?” The unexpected question coupled with the sense of urgency in her friend’s tone caught McKenzi off guard. “Excuse me?” “Is there something going on down there I should know about? Do I need to come down there?” “Stephanie, what in the world are you babbling about? I’m fine.” The lie fell easily from McKenzi’s lips. She didn’t know what Stephanie’s problem was, but there was no need to add fuel to the fire. “I’m worried about you, Mac. I had another visit from Madame Barrineau. She is absolutely certain you’re in danger.” Danger doesn’t quite describe the half of it. “Okay,” McKenzi sighed, her current concerns taking a backseat to curiosity. “”What did she say this time? What kind of danger am I in?” “Part of me wants to call the men in the white coats to come and get the poor woman. She’s nuts. And yet she seems so adamant that something is very, very wrong.” “If there were, don’t you think I would have called you by now?”

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“Not if you were dead.” McKenzi couldn’t help laughing. “Which I’m not, as you can hear for yourself.” “How do I know that Danny guy isn’t standing over you with a knife in his hand? Or maybe a gun? I keep thinking how quickly you hooked up with someone and in such strange surroundings to boot. What do you even know about this guy?” You mean besides the fact that he fucks like a wild animal because he is a wild animal? “Hello? McKenzi? Are you still there?” “I’m here. And again, as you can see, I’m fine. Things aren’t quite like I expected they would be, but you have no need to worry about me.” “Are you alone?” “Yes.” “Where is Danny?” “Probably out chasing rabbits.” “What?” “Nothing. He likes to hike.” “At night?” Stephanie made a noise in the back of her throat. “You don’t think that’s a little odd?” “Not at all. He knows these woods like the back of his hand.” Or should I say all four paws? “So, Steph, is this all you called for?” McKenzi manufactured a yawn. “I’m beat. I was hitting the bed when you called. Can we talk tomorrow?” This time Stephanie sighed, sounding somewhat relieved. “Yeah, sure. I just had to hear your voice. Make sure everything’s good. But there is one more 118

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thing.” “What is that?” “Madame Barrineau says she had another dream about you. Says she saw you running through the woods, though she wasn’t sure if you were running away from or toward something.” “Is that all?” “Not quite. She said she must have walked in her sleep. She does that a lot, it seems. This morning she found a notebook lying on her table. There was a note written inside. It was in her own handwriting, and yet she doesn’t remember writing it.” This time McKenzi didn’t fake the yawn. No sleep had finally caught up with her. “So what did the note say?” “It was a poem of sorts. Actually more like a curse. Write this down.” McKenzi grabbed a pencil from the kitchen drawer and began writing down the words dictated by Stephanie. With each word she wrote, the strange sensation in the pit of her stomach grew at an alarming rate. She barely remembered telling Stephanie thanks and that she’d call her tomorrow before hanging up the phone. Instead, she read over and over the words that Madame Barrineau claimed she’d written while sleepwalking. This curse I heap upon your head and so shall others see At dawn a manly shape you’ll take, at midnight a

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wolf you’ll be Within the trials of this curse I place, you never shall be whole Until thy true love you will find and possess her body, heart, and soul. McKenzi stared at the paper in front of her, wanting desperately to believe someone was playing a sick joke on her. If it were true, it would explain everything. And while doubts still lingered in her mind and in her heart, it was the name beneath the poem that made those doubts slowly lose their credibility. The name was none other than Charlotte von Rudenborg. *** This time he wasn’t sure at all she would come. The last two days had seemed longer than the last two hundred years since he had first been cursed. Everything that had been promised him, a life and a love for all eternity, now seemed out of reach. Never to be his. And for the first time he felt despair. He had seen the horror in her face. The terror in those beautiful violet eyes that had looked upon him briefly with passion, desire, and yes, the first stirrings of love. But now she was afraid of him. She was frightened beyond herself. And she certainly didn’t understand. That much was painfully clear. Not once had she ventured outside her cottage. Not once had he been gifted with her beauty by a simple glance through the window. He still believed in her. Still believed she was his 120

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destiny. As he was hers. But how to make her believe? She had just showered. He inhaled deeply, picking up her scent, and his ears perked to hear that soft lilt of her voice carry through the trees. It would soon be light. The sun would rise on a new day, and he would content himself with watching over her from a distance as before. No harm would ever befall her. He would make certain of it. Whether as a man or by way of the curse. It was still within her power to lift the curse, but first, he’d have to find a way to conquer her fear. Therein lay his lone source for despair. She was his soulmate, but he had needed time to convince her of her importance to him. Instead, Charlotte had once again intervened and sent in the beast to attack McKenzi. Had he not arrived when he did, McKenzi would not have had the strength to protect herself. She would surely have perished all because of another woman’s jealousy and spiteful heart. He was tired. Mentally. Physically. She had taken such good care of him, tended to his wounds, crooned softly to him while he slept. And then he had repaid her kindness by scaring the life out of her. Laying his hard, powerful body on the cold earth, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to dream. McKenzi. With skin as soft and scented as his favorite honeysuckle. Eyes that with one glance could reach out and lay claim to his very soul. And her smile. Capable of warmth to rival the morning’s first kiss from the sun. His rest was fitful. Frustration riddled his insides to

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have to wait for the darkness to lift. Soon enough, there would be no more waiting. No more yearning. Only the life he had waited for for so long. As light began its rise in the sky, he felt the familiar stirring in his belly, the tightening of his muscles as once more the painful transformation from animal to human took hold with a vengeance. He let out a tortured howl as his body reshaped itself. Four furry legs shifted into two rock hard thighs that tapered down to muscled calves and feet. Stretched out by his sides were arms defined by sinewy strength. And droplets of the morning’s dew gleamed on his naked torso. Danny stretched high above his head, relishing the never ending thrill of being released from his cage. Ears alert, the first crackling in the leaves had him whirling around ready to do battle. “Danny?” His heart threatened to explode from his chest when he saw McKenzi standing a mere foot away. She was breathtaking in the sunlight. Her skin was like fine porcelain. Her eyes still reminded him of the first bloom of spiderwort. And in her smile, he knew. Where before his transformation to wolf had filled her with terror, she now saw only him, the man. And she wasn’t afraid. He took a step toward her, but she was quicker. She fell into his arms as his mouth came crashing down to capture her own. This time he gave her total control. She kissed him with a hunger that rivaled his own, thrusting her sweet little tongue into a passionate duel with his while her hands roamed over his 122

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nakedness, squeezing him and caressing him at will. When she lowered her hands and cupped his buttocks, his cock swelled against her middle, and every instinct demanded he toss her on the ground and brand her with his possession. But McKenzi had other plans. Far more enticing than his own. She stepped backward long enough to kick off her shoes and shed herself of her clothes. When she was as naked as he, she stood proudly before him like a shameless wood nymph. Not only was she surrounded by the beauties of nature, she was a beauty of nature. Her smile was secretive, sensual, as she circled around him with the grace and confidence of a lioness. The fullness of her breasts pressing into his back triggered an explosion of heat throughout his body, but it paled in comparison to the fiery flicks of her tongue and mouth as she rained moist kisses over his naked flesh. Her hands became new weapons of destruction as she slid them slowly down his sides and around to his abdomen, caressing his skin as though she were an artist lovingly molding a piece of clay. She moved her body around him, never once breaking their contact of naked skin against naked skin. His cock throbbed and pulsed just inches from her touch, and still she deliberately avoided him until he thought he would die from the anticipation. She had to know what she was doing to him. But she was enjoying the game as much as he. Her words proved it.

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“I know who you are, Danny. I saw what you are.” She smoothed her fingertips through the hairs on his chest, drawing lazy patterns on his skin and blinking up at him with a sense of trust that was more arousing than any physical contact. “I’m not afraid.” She leaned closer and took his nipple into her mouth, gently nipping at the bud while her hands continued their loving exploration. “McKenzi.” Her name on his lips was strangled. “There is something I must tell you.” Inhaling her scent, the feel of her breasts brushing against his heated skin, her small hands tormenting him with their teasing. It was all too much for him. For the first time he doubted his own strength, his ability to remain in control, so desperate was he to make her his own again. And yet there was something endearing about her obvious joy in being the aggressor, taunting him, and provoking him. She shook her head, and placed a finger against his mouth. “Let me love you, Danny. I don’t want to waste what time we have.” Her voice was barely audible between them, a mere whisper of her intentions. “You’ll understand when I...” His words fell by the wayside when she caught him in her hands. He felt the cords in his neck strain to the breaking point as his head fell backward on an anguished groan. His hands fisted in her hair just to have something to cling to, something to keep him from falling. She began to stroke him lightly at first, her hand wisping down the length of him while her mouth 124

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continued its rain of kisses along his ribcage and across his stomach. Her hair felt like raw silk shimmering down his body. She knelt down between his legs, one hand boldly stroking him while the other cupped his sac and began to sensually massage his balls. His sex throbbed in McKenzi’s possession, the veins ready to burst forth, and he struggled like a drowning man for breath and coherent thought. She hadn’t kissed him yet. She hadn’t taken him into that sexy, delicious mouth, and yet instinct told him she was enjoying her power over him. She was waiting for that precise moment when she knew he couldn’t hold on much longer. He had never in his life begged a woman, but with McKenzi it was easy, liberating in a sense. He opened his mouth to plead with her to suck his cock, hard, to give him that blessed release that was pent up inside him like a crazed animal, ready to break free and explode into a million pieces. It was as though she read his mind. When he felt the first flicker of her tongue against his swollen tip, his knees nearly buckled beneath him. McKenzi was masterful. Every stroke, every lick, every caress of her mouth and tongue were calculated moves to bring him to the precipice of mind-blowing excitement and anticipation. This was no mundane, run-of-the-mill blow job. His engorged organ was her personal instrument, one she expertly and lovingly catered to every last inch of him. When he couldn’t hold back a second longer, his explosion inside her mouth rippled through his entire

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being, and the world around him went black as he tumbled over and over into an abyss of mindless oblivion. But McKenzi wasn’t finished. He barely had time to come back to earth before he found himself barking with laughter when McKenzi’s tongue began a sensuous clean up of the tip of his penis, licking his cum as though his cock had turned into her favorite ice cream cone. “That’s enough,” he laughed down into her face. “I concede. I’m just a mere mortal now. Have compassion.” The moment the words left his mouth, he felt a sense of relief to a degree he didn’t think possible. He saw the look in McKenzi’s eyes change from one of confusion to one of hope. She slowly rose to her feet, never once breaking eye contact with him. “Danny?” With that one word, she was asking for confirmation. Feelings of such intense love for this woman left him overwhelmed and wanting to shout to the heavens for this long awaited moment of his rebirth. With gentle hands, he cupped McKenzi’s face and kissed her softly on her mouth. “It’s true, my love. I’m free. You came to me unafraid, knowing what I was, yet not knowing that by doing so would undo the curse.” He saw her eyes widen with joy and understanding. “A curse I have lived under for two hundred years. But because of you, because of your strength and trust, I’m now free to love you as a 126

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man.” McKenzi blinked back tears as her eyes roamed Danny’s now beloved face. He knew in his eyes, she saw her destiny, saw the truth of what her life was meant to be and with whom her life was meant to be shared. He knew there were so many questions still left unanswered for her. Perhaps things he would never be able to fully explain. In time they could figure it all out together. But for now, he rejoiced in seeing she was content. And she didn’t hesitate to tell him so. “I love you, Danny. I came here to start a new life, never dreaming I would meet someone like you. And yet, for the very first time I can honestly say my life makes sense.” “As mine did from the moment I knew you had come.” He kissed her softly again before lowering their bodies to the ground. The earth was warm beneath them, and the sun now in full bloom fell on them in waves of shimmering light. “I’ve known from the beginning you were my destiny. You were the one I’ve waited for all these years to love me and thus free me from Charlotte’s curse.” McKenzi groaned when Danny eased his still rock hard cock between her legs. She gave a strangled gasp, and he saw the anticipation in her eyes, knowing he would soon take her in broad daylight. “This Charlotte bitch. We most definitely will talk about her and soon.” Danny laughed out loud as he rained kisses over McKenzi’s beautiful face. “Soon, my love, soon. But this is our moment. And I don’t mind saying I personally

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have earned it.” McKenzi shared in his good humor and eagerly pulled his head down. Just before they kissed, he heard her soft murmur against his mouth. “And I don’t mind saying I am honored to be your reward.” *** The two lovers frolicked and played in the sundrenched clearing, confident the thickness of the forest surrounding them would protect them from trespassers and interlopers. Free to love one another, rejoice in their newfound freedom, and dream of a future together blessed with all good things. They were like two children, happy, content, and enjoying nature as the perfect backdrop for their lovemaking that lasted long into the late afternoon hours. She watched from afar, at first angry and betrayed that Daniel’s declarations had proven accurate. He had boasted over and over that one day his McKenzi would come and the curse would be no more. To think that he had won, that he was the victor in her quest for vengeance, had almost been too much to bear. Once a curse had been lifted, it could not be undone. But then, as her jealousy grew stronger with each time she witnessed their couplings, she regained a sense of calm and her own feelings of victory. Daniel may have won this time. But all was not lost. She still had the upper hand, and though it would be years before Daniel or his so-called destiny realized it, she would be patient for didn’t all good things come 128

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to she who waited? She laughed out loud, the harsh chords of her amusement carrying through the trees, but losing their strength before reaching the ears of the lovers. Reaching her arms to the heavens, Charlotte closed her eyes and chanted the words that would one day come back to haunt her beloved Daniel. This curse I heap upon your head and so shall others see At dawn your first born son shall walk, but at midnight a wolf he’ll be Within the trials of this curse I place, he never shall be whole Until thy true love he will find and possess her body, heart, and soul.

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Deb Curwen About Deb Curwen Deb Curwen is a published author of contemporary romance, and this is her first foray into the realm of paranormal romance. Deb has been writing on and off for over 20 years and enjoys writing sensual love stories interspersed with humor and good old-fashioned conflict between a man and a woman. She has been published with Vintage Romance Publishing, and Venus Press as well as other publishing houses and is currently preparing a sequel to Big Bad Wolf which readers can look forward to in the future. Readers may visit her on the web at www.debcurwen.com.

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Spicy, sensual love stories which leave a reader breathless, intense plots, alpha males, strong heroines and sizzling dialogue—find it all at Whispers! www.whispershome.com

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