“You are very wary, aren’t you.” His dark eyes were intense, as if he could look into her very soul.

  “I am.” She noticed he didn’t answer her earlier question. But then, she didn’t expect him to. He was just flirting. Trying his hand at something new no doubt. “I’ve had my heart bruised a few times.”

  “Bruised? Not broken?”

  “No, I haven’t ever been in love.” She glanced at him. “Have you?”

  Lucas could answer that question honestly. She was his mate. So, of course, he’d never been in love. The women in his past had fulfilled a need. Nothing more. “No. I’ve never been in love.”

  Before, he added in his head. He’d never been in love before. Before her.

  “I guess I better be going.” She glanced down at the ground then back up at him.

  “Go out with me tomorrow.”

  “To have pancakes at the diner again?” She gave him a smile that said she had at least enjoyed that part of the evening.

  “No. My house. Come to my house and have dinner with me.” When she hesitated, he added, “Just dinner.”

  “What if I want more?” Kara gasped as soon as the words were out of her mouth. What was she doing? He simply stared down at her. “Most women would want to strip that suit off you and ride you like a roller coaster.”

  One dark brow arched. “A roller coaster?”

  “Yes. You know.” She gestured with her hand. “Up. Down. Up down.”

  Lucas threw back his head and laughed. “Damn it, woman. You will be the death of me.”

  Kara didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. She did know, however, she needed to leave. “Okay, then. I’m going home.” She turned sharply on her heel, digging into her purse for the keys to her car.

  “Not so fast, sweetheart.” A large hand wrapped around her upper arms, stopping her. “What time do you get off tomorrow?”

  She blew the bangs out of her eyes, her body one hot mess. “I have to work late. Very late.”

  “Okay.” He said softly. “What time?”

  She decided to be direct and to the point. “Look, I’m not sure what prompted this whole evening, but I don’t want to repeat it.” To repeat it would be opening herself up to heartache. A great big, old ton of heartache.

  “That’s not true.” He leaned closer, running his nose along her throat. “You know I’m a shifter, right?”

  “Yes.” Her voice quivered just a little. His breath was doing wickedly delicious things to her insides.

  “So, you know I can tell when you’re lying.” Without her knowing, he had somehow divested her of her purse and pulled her into his arms.

  “No, you can’t. That’s just a myth.”

  “No, it’s the truth. Your body puts off certain chemicals when you lie. Just like I can tell when you’re aroused.” He wanted nothing more than to shove his nose in her pussy, lick her cunt and taste her sweet honey. She smelled like heaven.

  Kara closed her eyes and let her head fall forward, resting on the center of his chest. “Just shoot me now.”

  “I’d rather kiss you.”

  His mouth found hers before she could react. His lips were firm and he tasted too good to resist. She opened her mouth when he stroked his tongue along the seam, letting him inside. Deep inside. This was no tentative first kiss. This was a possessive taking of her mouth. His tongue thrust inside, conquering any doubts she may have had. The man could kiss like a sex god.

  Kara felt her knees grow weak and her pussy flood all over again. He growled, the vibration humming inside her mouth. She stood on her tiptoes, trying to get closer. His teeth nipped at her tongue, his tongue stroked over it.

  Lucas didn’t know how he managed not to throw her on top of his car and take her. His body hungered to sink inside hers. His mouth watered, wanted to taste the delicious scent rising from her pussy. His wolf was lunging forward, trying to get to its mate.

  “Damn it,” he cursed, pulling slowly away. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

  Kara’s knees refused to hold her, so she held on to him as she tried to get her lungs to work again. “The kiss? Or the earthquake I’m pretty sure we just had.”

  She felt the low rumble of his laughter beneath her cheek. His hand stroked along the length of her back, calming her. It took a few more minutes and a heck of an effort, but she eventually moved away.

  It took her only a moment to realize she’d be a fool not to see where this was headed. Before that logical, good girl mentality came back into her focus she spoke. “I guess you can pick me up at six tomorrow night.”

  CHAPTER 3

  Lucas’s wolf was running him ragged. It was excited, nervous, anxious. Emotions that the wolf—or man—had never felt before. But then, they’d never been preparing to have their mate over for dinner.

  And a midnight snack.

  The wolf licked its lips just thinking about the feast it would have later as it dove into its mate’s sweet pussy.

  He frowned as he drove down the street leading to Kara’s address. The neighborhood was not the best in the area. His frown was still in place as he parked and walked up the stairs leading to her house. It was old and rundown, making his wolf growl. The animal did not like its mate living in these conditions. “Neither do I,” he muttered.

  Before he could knock, the front door opened, and she stepped outside. Taking away his breath. She was dressed in black leggings that hugged every curve she had, showing off their mouth-watering perfection. Her coat hung open, giving just a glimpse of her heavy breasts. Her long, dark hair hung halfway down her back. He knew he’d enjoy wrapping that length around his arm as he fucked her from behind.

  He knew some men—human men—would not appreciate the extra weight she carried, but to him—to his wolf—her figure was everything he’d hoped for and imagined. Her curves meant he could allow his wolf out a little. Fuck her as hard and fast as he wanted and she could take it. He wouldn’t be afraid of snapping her bones like twigs, hurting her as she took him. Not that he wouldn’t be careful with her. He would never hurt her.

  “Hi.” She smiled, and it brightened her already beautiful face.

  “Hi,” he said, leaning forward and placing a hard, possessive kiss on her slightly open mouth. He wasted no time, thrusting his tongue inside, tasting her. He pulled her close, pressing her body to his.

  Within minutes, Kara’s legs were weak, and she was clutching at his shirt collar to simply stay on her feet. He eventually ended the kiss, grinning down at her with a wolfish smile.

  Wolfish.

  Dear heavens, she had almost forgotten he was a shifter.

  “Let’s go.” He entwined his fingers with hers and led her to a dark sedan parked on the street.

  She’d also forgotten how rich he was.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked as he leaned over her and fastened the seatbelt around her.

  “For one, I can buckle myself in. And two, you do realize I’m getting a grant to afford the rent in your building? Well, you must know that now that you’ve seen where I live.” She trailed off, leaning her head back against the seat. This had been a mistake.

  A frown appeared on his face as if he didn’t understand what she was saying. Then, his face turned dark. If she been a different type of woman, one easily intimidated, that look just might have scared her the tiniest bit. “One, I will see to your safety.” He pulled the seat beat tight, making her jump. “And two, what the hell does you paying rent have to do with anything?”

  “I’m not rich. I’m not in your league. I’m fat—” Her words dried up at the low, angry growl he gave. That reminded her very quickly that he was a wolf.

  He squatted by the open door, his face level with hers. “If I ever hear you speak like that again, I will turn you over my knee and make that beautiful, big, bottom of yours turn a bright cherry red.” His words were uttered in the same dark tone as his growl.

  It made her pussy wet and her breathing ragged. She clenched her thighs together just thinking of his huge hand swatting her ass. And what he might do to her afterwards.

  “Damn it. I’m so confused.”

  “There’s nothing to be confused about, baby. Nothing at all.”

  His apartment was the penthouse of a luxury hotel. She might have known and really hadn’t expected anything else. What she didn’t know was why? What was this impossibly handsome man, who was rich as Midas…exactly what he was doing was the confusing part.

  He’s toying with you. The imp on her shoulder told her loud and clear. Maybe the man—and his wolf—wanted to bang a chubby girl. Maybe, he was indiscriminate about who he bedded. Any female that showed any sign—or any scent of arousal, he took as a challenge.

  That was it, she was a challenge.

  Or she would have been had she actually said no to the man.

  “You have a beautiful home.” She laid her purse on the table by the door as he helped her off with her coat.

  “It’s a place to go at night. It’s not a home.”

  The way he said that made her take a long look at him. Almost by instinct, she placed her hand on his chest. “If this doesn’t make you happy, change it.”

  He gave her a ghost of smile, taking her hand in his and placing a kiss in the center of her palm. “That’s very sage advice.”

  “Something my momma always told me.”

  “Told you? Are your parents still alive?” With a hand on the small of her back, he ushered her into the living room. The entire floor was the definition of open concept. The living room bled into the dining room, and the entire back wall was a bank of windows that overlooked the city. The view was dazzling.

  Just like him.

  “Yes, they are still with me. I have a brother and sister too.”

  “Good. A big family is good.”

  “Really? Do you have a big family?”

  That question made him laugh. “I’m alpha of a pack. It’s big, noisy, and mildly intrusive at times.”

  “And you love it.” There was just something about the way he spoke that let her know he’d do anything for the wolves he considered his.

  “I do. Let’s eat.”

  There was a dining room table next to the bank of windows and he led her there. Red roses in a crystal vase that probably cost more than her monthly rent had been placed in the center of the table. He held out the chair for her and she sat down. To say she was feeling way out of her league was an understatement.

  What the hell was she doing?

  “Don’t,” he said. His large hand squeezed her shoulder before he took his own seat.

  “Don’t eat?” she quipped. She realized he’d known what she was thinking. Known what she’d been about to do—jump and run away.

  “I’m not going to hurt you, Kara.”

  She sighed, placing a white linen napkin on her lap. “I know.”

  “Then let’s enjoy the meal.”

  Before each of them was a salad. He reached across the table and took out a bottle of wine that was already opened. Without asking he poured her a glass. She rarely had wine and knew nothing about it. Tentatively, she picked up the glass and took a sip. Thankfully, it was sweet and fruity. “This is good.”

  He nodded his head. “I thought you’d like it.”

  Without waiting for her, he picked up his fork and started eating. She decided the best thing to do was follow his example. She’d agreed to have dinner with him, and, by the smell emanating from the kitchen, it was going to be a very enjoyable meal.

  Lucas wasn’t surprised by the waves of anxiety he could feel radiating off Kara, but he didn’t know what to do. Having dinner at his penthouse had probably been the wrong thing to do. He should have taken her somewhere with people around. Back to the diner. But, he’d wanted her here. Alone. With him.

  His wolf scoffed. The animal knew the real reason he’d brought her here. He’d wanted her near his bed.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her as they ate. She was confident when it came to things she cared about and a spark of defiance danced in her eyes when he brought up issues that bothered her. He was tempted to keep the conversation turned to the controversial subjects just to see her that way. Fierce and protective. He knew she’d make the perfect mate.

  When she caught him staring as she ate, she blushed. But how could he not find the act of her eating arousing? Her mouth covered the fork, her lips sliding seductively across the tongs. He imagined his cock filling her mouth and almost choked on his own food.

  Soon. Soon he would have her doing everything he’d fantasized about.

  They spent the next hour talking about their jobs, their families and life in general. Kara had to say it was the most pleasant time she’d spent with a man in a very long time. She smiled as she watched him walk to the kitchen to get their dessert. Not that she’d dated much the last year or so. She’d been too busy working, saving money and planning for the day she opened her store. Now that that day had arrived, maybe, she thought hopefully, she could take it a little slower.

  Not that she wanted to take it slow with the big wolf shifter. No, she wanted to run full throttle into his arms and let fate take care of the rest. She’d never had this type of physical reaction to man. Just being in the same room with him was heating up her body, making her hormones fly totally out of control. A wave of heat hit her as naughty desires flashed through her mind.

  She wanted, she thought a little hysterically, to strip off her clothes and offer herself to him. She fanned herself with her hand, wondering how high he had the heat. Suddenly, she was burning up.

  Burning out of control.

  “I think I better go.” As she rose to her feet, a wave of dizziness hit her. She had to grab the back of the chair to stay on her feet.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” Suddenly he was there, catching her against him.

  “I’m not sure.” With him this close, she caught his scent—all male and woodsy. It was delightful. Her already wet pussy creamed again, and her breasts grew full and heavy as if her body was preparing itself for him.

  CHAPTER 4

  “Damn it,” Lucas cursed as he lifted Kara into his arms. He carried her to the large leather couch and laid her down, crowding her so he could sit beside her. One large hand cupped her cheek. “You’re burning up.”

  “For you.” Her voice was a soft whisper, but she knew he’d heard her. His hand stilled; his body grew rigid.

  “Oh, sweetheart, I am so sorry.”

  “For what?”

  “This.”

  She laughed. “You didn’t do anything. I’m just not feeling so good right now.” She drew in a deep breath, trying to figure out what was happening. She felt like she had the flu because she was all hot and sweaty but shaking as if chilled. Had it been something she’d eaten? She looked at him, and he appeared normal. If it was food poisoning wouldn’t he be affected as well?

  “I’m afraid I am the cause of what’s happening to you.”

  “You poisoned me?”

  “No, of course not. I’d never do anything to hurt you.” He frowned, his jaw rigid. “I need to tell you something.”

  “You’re married with three children.” She closed her eyes, trying to stop the spinning of the room. Unfortunately, she thought she was going to have to ask him to take her to the hospital.

  “You know I am a wolf.”

  She opened her eyes briefly. “Yes. Everyone in the building knows that.”

  “I’m also your mate.”

  It took several seconds for his words to penetrate the fog of her brain. When they did, she shot straight up on the couch. If he’d been a smaller man, she would have knocked him to the floor. “What did you just say?”

  He sat there looking as if he was conducting a board meeting instead of telling a woman, who was almost a complete stranger, that he was her mate.

  “No, no, no.” Kara struggled to move off the couch, but his big body was in the way. “That’s not possible. We don’t know each other.”

  “My wolf knows you. And, if I’m not mistaken, you are going into heat.”

  “Heat!” She pulled her knees up, determined to get away. He leaned over her, effectively trapping her against the couch.

  “You are my mate, Kara.” This time when she looked at him, his eyes held a spark of gold.

  “It can’t happen that fast.”

  “It probably doesn’t. But I am an alpha. I’m assuming that’s why.”

  “Well, don’t you know for sure?”

  The corner of his sexy mouth rose. “How could I? You are my one and only mate. This has never happened to me before.”

  “Oh, don’t look at me with those puppy dog eyes. You. You’re doing this on purpose.”

  Lucas had to restrain his laughter. He’d never been compared to a puppy before. He liked it. She wasn’t afraid of him. “I assure you I am doing nothing. Nature is.”

  He leaned forward until their mouths were almost touching. “And I’m glad it’s happening, sweetheart. I want nothing more than to claim you as my mate.”

  “Well, do something.” Kara wasn’t as much frightened as so aroused she was afraid she’d jump into his lap and demand he fuck her.

  “There’s really only one way to make this better.”

  “An ice bath?”

  “No, I need to claim you.”

  She licked her lips. “What do you mean by claim?”

  “I mean, I need to fuck that sweet pussy of yours.” He leaned in closer, his voice growing darker, his face more intense. “It means I need for you to come on my cock. It means, my dear sweet mate, I need to knot you.”

  “Knot me?” She looked down his body, zeroing in on the junction of his legs. There was no doubt he was aroused and that he was a big, big man.

  Before she could ask, he said, “It’s exactly how it sounds.”

  Despite his words, and the vivid imagery they aroused, she pushed against his chest, needing to move. To get away.

  Wait, no, that’s not what she wanted. At the very thought of leaving his presence, her insides cramped, low, and hard. As she tried to move from the couch, he rose, offering his help. As soon as he touched her, the pain subsided just a little.