“Yes, I can. One of my many unusual and very helpful attributes. Most wolves within every Wolfen pack across the world want to remain human however. We live our lives like any other human, including raising a family and going to college. We take out loans and enjoy family barbeques.”

  “What else can you do besides…” Fuck like a wild animal. I was completely embarrassed by my irrational thoughts. A warm flush crept up on my cheeks and I turned away.

  “Strength. Vision. Hearing. What you’ve read about our keen senses is accurate. But nothing else.”

  “Mostly human. I can’t buy any of this, Jax. You must understand why.”

  He seemed quite exasperated that I wasn’t accepting everything he was telling me based on our closeness.

  “It will take you some time. Wolfen are human except we have a gene inside that allows us to shift if necessary. Yes, there are some additional subtle differences as well.”

  “You can breed with humans. Right?”

  His nod was deliberate and when he cocked his head, my breath skipped.

  “Why hasn’t it been bred out?”

  “I will not be as technical as you are, but from what I’ve been told, our DNA takes over a significant percentage of human DNA. However, a good number of us were recently told that what you assume should happen is occurring, just very slowly.”

  “Before now, it prevented extinction. A safety mechanism.” Was this suddenly making sense to me? Possibly. While I’d been freaked out after the first victim had become reanimated, I had spent time looking at the tissues. There were anomalies I’d yet to identify.

  “Undoubtedly. We have survived many worldwide diseases because of our wolf DNA. But the fear is that we will be no more if the trend of mating with humans continues. It was just ruled that we were no longer allowed to pick and choose who we wanted to marry and have children with.”

  “If you survive various diseases, that could help mankind.”

  “Humans aren’t supposed to live forever. But yes, I’m certain it’s possible.”

  “Do you live forever?”

  As he’d done several times before out of frustration, Jax sighed. Was he growing bored with the conversation? Tough. “We can be killed and some die of heart disease, one human ailment that we do succumb to. I fear there will be more as time continues to go by.”

  “Too many fatty foods,” I said in jest.

  “Maybe so. I will repeat. We don’t eat people.”

  “When is shifting necessary?” My mouth was suddenly dry because I was starting to believe him. He seemed hesitant to answer. I wasn’t certain I blamed him. What could his answer be? Oh, when the family unit gets low on food. I shuddered from the thought. “Maybe I should ask when was the last time you shifted?”

  “I only do so when necessary. My brothers and I haven’t made a habit of it since we were kids. Only then did we train as required by Wolfen rules.”

  Wolfen rules. I wanted to get my hands on those.

  He crossed one leg over the other, resting his elbow on the armrest. There was no indication he’d shifted recently, into a wolf—my God—but I sensed he had. “Something happened. Didn’t it? You did shift.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  I wasn’t honestly certain why other than I sensed it. “I just know. Am I right?”

  “As I told you before, you’re in danger. I was checking the area to see what we could possibly be dealing with.”

  “Am I specifically in danger or everyone I know around me? Maybe the entire human race?”

  “It’s possible all of humanity could be. That’s not my main focus. You are.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s not important.”

  “You’re one infuriating man,” I tossed out as I stood once again. Pacing was the only way I could handle my emotions right now.

  The last thing I wanted to do was lose my perspective on what was going on.

  If I could answer that.

  “Don’t make more out of this than there is,” he advised.

  “Are you kidding me?” Now I was laughing. Full out loud. Bursting at the seams. “I’m a doctor, a scientist, and I’m supposed to buy this insane story about not one but two varieties of shape-shifting wolves. One prefers being human, eating biscuits and burgers, and the other finds human flesh more to their liking.”

  His eyes were way too imploring. “I understand this is overwhelming.”

  “Trying to figure out what to get my precious little girl who’s turning five is overwhelming. This is… nuts.” What else was I supposed to say?

  A full minute passed and he was way too quiet.

  “Okay, let’s assume I believe you, which I don’t, Agent Drummand mentioned you and your family might have answers as to how to stop these… flesh-eating monsters from attacking. Do you?”

  “There will need to be a discussion within the packs and our council of Elders.”

  “Let me guess,” I taunted. “All the packs throughout the world have a special communications system so you can Zoom each other without letting the cat out of the bag. Right?”

  Oh, my God. His smile was an affirmative.

  “You’ll learn more in due time, Sedona. And yes, you can ask as many questions as you need to. What are you doing with the bodies?”

  “They’re gone as in gone, fleeing into the night. But I am doing tests.”

  He nodded. “I hope you’ll share your findings with me.”

  “I already told you I don’t think I want to learn more, but I have no choice. I was brought into this blindsided. I need some time to adjust,” I told him.

  “You’re a scientist who enjoys puzzles. However, keep in mind this is my life. This is all I know. Now, the quiet sanctity of our world is being challenged. I don’t have all the answers, but what I do know from what I’ve seen and heard is that these wolves are dangerous.”

  “A discussion. You’re uncertain whether or not they can be stopped.” I wasn’t really asking a question because I didn’t really want to learn any more truths.

  “We will see.”

  Groaning like an old woman, I dropped my head into my hands. “This is insane. I can’t say that any longer. I need to come up with another word.” He probably couldn’t understand a word of what I was saying, but tough. It had been a rough day. A rough few days. Who was I kidding?

  Another horrible thought entered my mind. When I snapped my head up, I was cognizant his eyes were glowing. Nope. I wasn’t going to buy it. The change in refraction was simply based on the rays of sun, the angle, and the time of day. Nothing more.

  Scientist. Remember, girlfriend?

  It was getting tougher and tougher to stay on the playing field.

  “Why do we have such an intense connection?” The question seemed to be one he was waiting for.

  However, the dramatic pause wasn’t something I could handle for long. I was itchy all over from the creepy crawlies.

  “Why do you feel the need to protect me?” I pressed. I had no intentions of allowing him to get out of answering my question. I kept my distance, fighting so many emotions deep down inside.

  “Because of that connection. I care about you and the fact you’ve been sighted with me possibly places a target on your back.”

  “That’s not the real answer. Is it?” I hated when he didn’t answer me right away. I dared moved a foot closer but no more. “Why?”

  He slowly moved to a standing position, taking his time to walk around the end of the couch. “Because you’re my fated mate.”

  CHAPTER 22

  Sedona

  “Your… fated mate?” I repeated.

  He gave me a solid stare that screamed he was serious. “Is that so hard to believe?”

  “I have no idea how to answer you.” A lump had formed in my throat and the butterflies in my stomach were turning into a different type of flesh-eating monster.

  “What is the difference in two people feeling as if meeting and falling in love was their destiny?” Jax asked. He was so casual in doing so, as if this should be a normal conversation.

  I moved to the other side of the couch to keep my distance, needing the wine more than ever. It took about five seconds to gulp the rest down. I doubted it would calm my nerves.

  “I know we’re in the middle of a conversation, but could I possibly have another glass of wine?”

  “Of course.”

  As he inched closer, I stiffened. The second our fingers touched when he was reaching for the glass, I gasped. I could already feel the heat building between us, a fire burning that shouldn’t be there but would likely never be doused by water.

  “The electricity between us is very unusual,” he told me. “I know you feel it.”

  “Yes, but chemistry does bring about extreme pheromones in some people. That’s all that’s happening here. This isn’t about something supernatural.”

  “Nothing about my world or my kind is about the supernatural. We were here prior to the cavemen.”

  Did he really expect that bit of news to comfort me in any way? I couldn’t look him in the eyes any longer for fear of what I’d find. I let him take the glass, instantly feeling a frigid chill. As soon as he walked from the room, I rubbed both hands through my tangled mass of hair.

  It was unbelievable. Not possible.

  The girl who enjoyed the company of one hot man couldn’t keep my eyes off him, so I watched as he walked away.

  He made it to the hallway before tilting his head over his shoulder. “You have a life, Sedona, but make no mistake that things have changed. You will stay here as my guest or in my home in Cartersville until I am certain you aren’t being targeted.”

  “My daughter. I will not abandon her under any circumstances.”

  “I am aware Mattie has your daughter for a couple days. You will learn there are rules that will help keep you safe. Do not attempt to leave.”

  “And if I do?” Shit. He knew far too much about me and my life. No matter his openness, I was more unnerved than I’d ever been in my life.

  He had the nerve to chuckle as if any of this was funny? “Then you’ll face punishment.”

  Punishment. Was he kidding me?

  The entire conversation was challenging every aspect of who and what I was.

  Even what I’d seen with my own eyes could be explained. How? I wasn’t certain but I would figure it out. Right now, I needed to find some space. And peace. He’d driven here, but as I continued to need to remind myself, I was a big girl.

  I would grab an Uber after I was certain he wasn’t following me. I had money. Right? I had a sense of being. I had… insanity creeping in.

  My purse was in my hand before I managed to sprint past, easily figuring out the locking system. I lunged out the door as if the building was on fire, pounding my tennis shoes toward the elevator. Thank God, I’d put on cargo shorts and a tee shirt that morning.

  The elevator was right in front of me before I dared look over my shoulder. Thankfully, he wasn’t following me.

  Maybe he had to open another bottle of wine. Maybe he was figuring out how to… Would he kill his mate for learning his secret?

  Yep. I was certifiable, but still alive, and I planned on keeping it that way.

  My hand was slapped onto the button before I could say ‘cheese.’ In a stroke of good luck, the doors opened less than three seconds later.

  Once inside, I continuously hit the close button with one hand while at the same time I smashed my palm against the down button.

  Finally, the piece of shit doors started to close. I crowded the back, hitting the cold steel wall with a hard thud. It jarred me into a vision of the two of us together. In the pool. Fucking. I’d fucked a wolf. Did that constitute as… I couldn’t even think about the ultra kinky sex act.

  Just before the doors finally snapped shut, a hand was driven between them. I watched in awe and a touch of horror as Jax pushed them back open with a single finger.

  His expression was more about amusement than anything as he stepped in. He also hit the down button, shoving his hands into his pockets as he turned to face me.

  “Did you really think you could get away from me that easily?” he asked.

  “I needed air. Lots of fresh air.”

  “We’ll make certain you get that.” The elevator was going down and in a surprise move, he pressed the stop button. I didn’t know they made elevators with that feature any longer.

  “What are you doing?”

  He took a deep breath. “Providing the punishment that is necessary.”

  “Are you kidding me? You just attempted to make me believe I’m currently living in an alternative world where I’m your mate and now you’re going to try and punish me?”

  “Not try, Sedona. It is going to happen.”

  His tone of voice had changed, becoming much more authoritative.

  “I don’t take orders from you.” Why were we arguing about this?

  “You do and you will when you’re under my protection.” He started to unfasten his belt and I was suddenly claustrophobic.

  “Hold on a minute. Your belt. What in God’s name do you plan on doing with that?”

  “I never want you hurt, but I will need to remind you that the creatures out there aren’t human. Not but any traditional standards. A spanking should help remind you that you need to be careful and not run away.”

  The man was serious.

  When the thick strap was free, I was certain he’d start the elevator again, forcing me like some prisoner back into his condo.

  He didn’t. The big man took me by the arm, spun me around, and proceeded to unfasten the drawstring on my shorts.

  I was too stunned to move at first, blinking back tears of frustration, which couldn’t have been more surprising. Maybe I was in some kind of medical state of shock because he managed to jerk them down, my thong with them before I could even put a coherent thought together.

  Much less fight his actions.

  Maybe I was so stressed and in disbelief that feeling something else seemed plausible. Even good. No. That was really nuts. I watched in horror as he folded the belt in half. Who spanked a woman any longer? Some nutcase.

  He planted his foot on the railing surrounding the bottom of the elevator and eased me over his leg.

  “Jax. This is crazy.”

  “You need to learn to trust me.” He brought the belt down and I was unable to feel anything.

  I found myself slapping at the elevator wall with one hand as I grabbed his leg with the other. My body swayed as he snapped his wrist again. The slice against my buttocks finally jarred me into coming to my senses.

  “No. You’re not going to do this.” I fought him with everything I had, but he was definitely stronger than most men. At least now I knew why. He easily kept me pinned against him.

  I dug my fingernails into his trousers. There was no way I could hurt him, but it felt good to get out some of my anger and irritation.

  The third and fourth strikes awakened my pain sensors. Yelping, I tried my best to jerk up as well as slapping his leg this go-around. I wasn’t going anywhere. The whooshing sound was almost fascinating to the scientist in me. The woman inside? Not a chance.

  With every brutal crack, and they came methodically one after the other, I was whimpering like a kid. The pain shifted to a different level and I was pushed into a strange feeling of standing outside myself.

  He stopped long enough to caress my aching bottom and that was the moment I felt heat building. Not just across my bruised skin but also between my legs. I was wet over this? I was excited because he was punishing me? It felt surreal and certainly not like my personality. Nothing lately reminded me of the woman I’d once been.

  I heard him take a deep breath and his fingers lingered on my buttocks for a few seconds longer than I’d expected. The moment I wiggled against him, I realized why. He was hard as a rock.

  While I should be furious with him for treating me like a child, I felt the same desire as he did. We were connected. Whether by fate, chemistry, or some crazy mate syndrome, my breathing was as labored as his had become.

  He brought the belt down a few more times, completely covering my sit spot with the thick strap. I was in a haze of lust and need, wanting to chastise myself for feeling anything but fury, but I couldn’t.

  The man was irresistible.

  Damn him.

  Three more were brought down and I was certain I would go blind from the agony.

  “Four more and we’re done.”

  I wasn’t going to whimper, but my bottom was on fire.

  Jax wasted no time, bringing the strap down in brutal strikes, one right after the other.

  A few seconds later he stopped, issuing a sharp growl that meant something entirely different now. As he helped me stand, I was instantly lightheaded. The belt was tossed to the floor and for myriad crazy reasons, I watched the action.

  I was tingling all over, my legs like jelly. The ache in my bottom would remain there for a long time, but I wasn’t certain I minded.

  I didn’t have a chance to fix myself up before he spun me around, driving me against the back wall. Nothing about the moment was normal yet everything about being together was exciting.

  He cupped both sides of my face, shaking his head. “You’re a hell of a fighter and one feisty woman, but you will learn.”

  “And what exactly am I supposed to learn?”

  “That you can trust me.” He didn’t belabor the point, kissing me instead.

  I’d never had an experienced or decent kisser in my life. I’d been told more than once most men could never be good at it. But this man was extraordinary with how he used his lips and tongue, performing as gently or roughly as his instincts told him I needed.

  On this crazy afternoon of implausible truths, his lips started out soft and tender, allowing me to slide my tongue inside his mouth first. His fingers were caressing me at the same time, holding me in a gentle embrace while providing both comfort and reassurance that he was no beast.

  Yes, he was, his cock a thing of incredible beauty. But he was controlled in every aspect of passion.

  I wandered what it would be like if he actually let himself go.