She felt his confusion when he asked, “Becoming what?”

  Jacque couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped, but she regained her composure by the time she was on the last step of the stairs.

  “Never mind,” she answered as she came around the corner into the living room. Lilly was sitting on the couch, and Fane was sitting across from her on the antique, high wingback chair her mom had inherited from some distant relative. It was a horrible shade of peach, but Lilly loved it, so the ugly lump stayed in their living room. Somehow, with Fane sitting in it, he managed to make it look good. Man, she had it bad, Jacque thought to herself.

  Fane must have caught that last thought because he grinned at her knowingly, but he did not speak through her thoughts.

  Fane stood up when she entered the room and, without shame, looked her up and down from her toes to her head and back again. Jacque was a tad surprised he would do this in front of her mother, and she supposed because of her nerves she should be excused for having a Jen moment. “Did you get your fill, or would you like me to turn around for you too?” Jacque asked sarcastically.

  “Jacque, is that any way to speak to your date?” Lilly asked her.

  “Actually,” Fane started, “I would love for you to turn around so that I may admire the new addition to your already beautiful skin.”

  Jacque couldn’t help but blush for two reasons: one, he had called her skin beautiful. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t blush at that, right? And two, the way he commented about the markings seemed very possessive, like they tied her to him in some way. For some weird, messed up reason, Jacque liked that. Yeah, they have a padded cell in the insane asylum just waiting for ya, babe.

  Jacque also didn’t miss the way her mom responded to Fane noticing the markings. She was glaring daggers at him as if daring him to make further comment about them. Jacque knew that look, and it was one of the looks in her mom’s repertoire that meant if you wanted to keep your ass, then you better cover it now.

  So, Jacque did a quick turn around and grabbed Fane by the hand—he had great hands. I mean, seriously, does he have to have great everything? She nearly burst out laughing because she could just imagine the comeback Jen would have for that question.

  “Alright, we’re going, Mom. Love you, don’t wait up, I’ll wake you when I get home, yes I will wear my helmet, no I won’t be cold, no I don’t need any money, yes I have my house key, and yadda yadda yadda,” Jacque answered before her mom could even ask.

  They were out the front door before Lilly could get in a word, which had been what Jacque was going for.

  “Was that really necessary?” Fane asked her.

  “Did you not see the look my mother was giving you when you asked about these marks on my skin? And I know you know something about them, and you will be happily divulging said information tonight,” Jacque told him.

  Fane acted as if he simply had not heard her. Since he had not let go of her hand once they had made it outside, he pulled her along to his motorcycle. He handed her a black and dark pink helmet which, upon closer inspection, had various designs on it and was actually pretty awesome. She put it on her head, trying not to feel too ridiculous, and waited for his instructions.

  Fane turned to look at her and grinned a breathtaking smile, dimples and all. “You ready, Luna?” he asked her, and it felt like he wasn’t just asking her about the motorcycle ride. It felt to Jacque like he was giving her a choice—one she had no plausible outcome for.

  “Probably not, but what the hell. What’s life without a little excitement, or craziness, ya know? Take your pick,” Jacque answered.

  As Fane drove across town on his motorcycle with his mate behind him, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, he thought about how it had taken every ounce of self-control for him not to reach out and run a finger across the markings on Jacquelyn’s shoulders and neck—his markings. It was bad enough Lilly had noticed the possessiveness in his voice when he asked about them, but his wolf just wouldn’t ease up now. Thankfully, he hadn’t made a total fool of himself by touching them or growling in contentment, but the night was still young and he still had ample time to make a fool of himself yet, so better not count your pups.

  Before they got on the motorcycle, Fane asked her if she was ready, and although he meant for the date, he was also pleading to her with his eyes to understand he needed her to be ready for more. He knew she was strong mentally and physically. The moon would not give him a weak mate since he was an Alpha. She would have dominion over the females of his pack. But Fane was not so naive to believe it wouldn’t be a shock to anyone to learn werewolves were real, and quite possibly so were other things that go bump in the night.

  “How are you, Jacquelyn? Are you cold?” Fane sent her the question.

  “I’m great! This is awesome. I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before. I can honestly see why you wouldn’t want to drive a car after you’ve been on one of these! Oh, and no I’m not cold,” Jacquelyn answered him, sounding excited.

  It pleased Fane to know he was able to bring her happiness. He could feel joy pouring off her in ripples and waves, and it was soothing to his wolf. His mate was happy, and that was very important to him.

  They reached the restaurant Fane had chosen. Brian had told him about it when he mentioned he was taking Jacquelyn out. It was a little mom and pop diner with a bit of everything.

  “This okay with you?” Fane asked her.

  “Yeah, this is great,” Jacquelyn answered.

  Fane looked at her for a moment. He couldn’t help it when his eyes lingered on the markings on her shoulders and neck. Those marks told all Canis lupus she was his, his to make happy, his to protect, his to… To his astonishment, he realized she was his to love as well. Even though he didn’t know her very well yet, he knew without a doubt he would love her.

  “Fane, is everything alright?” she asked him.

  “Yes, Luna, everything is fine, better than fine actually,” Fane told her with a smile.

  To Fane’s satisfaction, dinner was pleasant, easy, and there was at no time when he felt the conversation was forced or awkward. He smiled over the fact she did not refuse dessert as most girls would on a first date, and she had absolutely no qualms about taking food off his plate without even asking.

  After they ate, Fane took Jacquelyn to a nearby park. He had no plan of telling her anything yet. He had told his Alpha he would keep quiet until her mom talked to her, and he planned to keep his word. But he knew she would ask questions, and here in a park, their conversation would not be easily overheard.

  “I know you have only been here a few days, but how do you like Coldspring?” Jacquelyn asked him.

  “Thus far, it seems like a pleasant place to live, not as formal as the life I am used to, or as cold,” Fane told her with a wink.

  “No offense, but based on what you wear, your life doesn’t seem all that formal,” Jacquelyn told him.

  Fane hadn’t thought about how his appearance might look to her. She probably thought he lived in a little hovel of a house chiseled into the side of a mountain. She would be surprised to find his home was a 7,000 square feet mansion. It had to be, as his father often hosted emissaries from other packs, as well as other supernatural races.

  “I guess the clothes would lead you to a different conclusion,” Fane responded.

  Suddenly, Fane had an intense desire to know her, know anything and everything. “What’s your favorite color? What is your favorite song, book, and movie? What do you like best about being an only child and what is worst?” Fane fired question after question, not giving her a chance to answer. He was so eager to learn all about his mate, his Luna.

  “Step back and take a deep breath ’cause any minute now you are going to pass out from lack of oxygen,” she told him. “Well, seeing as how I am so shy this will be hard for me to share, so bear with me,” Jacquelyn teased him.

  Fane rolled his eyes at her sarcasm. Jacquelyn was anything but shy.

  “My favorite color depends on the day and my mood. For instance, today it is green,” she explained.

  “Is that why you are wearing green?” Fane asked.

  “Yes, I have to admit I dress very much in accordance with my mood, and the colors I choose reflect that. I know, I’m a conundrum, what can I say? I like to keep things interesting. Favorite song, that changes frequently as well. Right now, I would have to say it’s ‘Accompany Me’ by Bob Seager, but ask me again next week and it will be different. Favorite book, well, you’re probably going to laugh if you know what this book is, but it’s one I have always loved. It’s called Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shell Silverstein. It’s a children’s book of outlandish poetry. Ever heard of it?” she asked him.

  “No, actually I have not. Perhaps you will share it with me sometime,” Fane told her.

  Jacque laughed. “I don’t have a copy of it right now. I’ve somehow misplaced it. It’s either somewhere lost at the bottom of my closet or Jen took it and she hasn’t ‘fessed up,” she explained.

  Fane made a note of this is in his head. It was something he could get her, something to show her he cared about what she liked.

  “Okay, where were we… Oh, my favorite movie, well, it’s not just one. It’s a series, the Harry Potter movies. You’ve heard of them, right?” she asked.

  “Yes, I have seen them as well. They were good,” he told her.

  “As far as being an only child, I don’t know if I have ever really thought about what it would be like to have a sibling. I have always been so close to Jen and Sally, so it’s like I do have sisters,” Jacquelyn explained. “What about you? Same questions.”

  Without repeating the questions, Fane simply answered them in the order he had asked her. “Any shade of black or grey, Lord of the Rings, the movie 300, and I don’t like the responsibility that comes with being the only heir in my family.”

  He realized she wouldn’t understand the whole heir reference, but in an effort to be as honest as possible, he would share what he could.

  “So, um, I was wondering … ya know, if you…” Jacquelyn stumbled around her words. It was obvious she was uncomfortable with what she wanted to ask. Catching the thought in her mind, he realized she wanted to know if he had a girlfriend in Romania. He was a little shocked she thought he would pursue her if he did have a girlfriend, but he had to remember she did not know him yet.

  “No, Luna, I do not have a girlfriend, nor am I recently out of a relationship.” Fane knew the jab about her ex wasn’t necessary, but he couldn’t help it. He loved to see her get riled up, and sure enough, if she had hackles, they would be at attention.

  “Why does it bother you so much that I had a boyfriend? I mean, it’s not like I even knew you existed a week ago, not to mention Trent and I aren’t together anymore,” She told him firmly.

  “I know, Jacquelyn. I’m sorry. I’m not bothered by it anymore. Well, mostly not bothered by it. I have to admit I don’t like the idea of another male touching you, but as long as I know he won’t be again, I think Trent is safe,” Fane told her honestly.

  “You’re saying that if I dated another guy, they wouldn’t be safe?” she asked him in disbelief.

  “Do you want to date another guy?” Fane countered.

  Fane felt in her mind the answer was no, she didn’t want to date anyone else, and he smiled at that, which was not a smart thing to do at that moment.

  Jacquelyn stepped forward and put a finger against his chest, poking him with every word. “Don’t dodge my question with a question of your own, you pushy, bossy Romanian butthead!”

  She was fuming. Fane imagined if it were possible, there would be smoke rising off that hot-tempered red head of hers, and she wasn’t done yet either.

  “I can damn well date who I want when I want. There is nothing you can do or say to change that, so if you want to continue with this … this … thing between us,” she said flinging her hand back and forth to indicate them both, “then you had better just back the hell up, buddy!” By the time she was done, she was panting from her little rant.

  “I didn’t say you couldn’t date another person. I asked if you wanted to,” Fane told her. “Is that so hard to answer?”

  Jacquelyn glared at him, obviously wanting to hit him with something, and he decided to back up just a little. He continued to stare into those deep green eyes, waiting to see if she would admit what he already knew.

  Jacquelyn looked down as if something could possibly be interesting on the ground, and in a voice so soft he would have missed it without his wolf hearing, he heard her say, “No, I don’t want anyone else.”

  When she looked up at him there were tears in her eyes, and his heart broke.

  “Meu inimă, my heart, why the tears? I did not mean to hurt you. Please tell me what I can do. You are breaking my heart,” Fane told her with agony in his voice.

  Fane wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He stroked her hair gently and whispered words of comfort and reassurance in his language. Finally, after several moments, she began to speak. She didn’t pull away from him, which was good because he wasn’t ready to let her go. He had hurt her. His wolf was not happy and needed the touch of his mate.

  “I’m sorry. I’m not usually a blubbering idiot. It’s just that I’m so confused. My emotions for you are so freaking intense, and I’ve known you all of three days. I mean, this isn’t a movie where we meet and fall madly in love in a matter of days, Fane—this is my life!”

  “I know. I’m sorry I wasn’t more considerate. Please, love, forgive me. I won’t let my jealousy or pride get in the way of considering your feelings again,” Fane told her in all sincerity.

  Before she could pull away Fane kissed her lightly on the forehead and took a deep breath, enjoying the way she smelled to him.

  She looked at him oddly and said, “I’m not even going to ask why you just sniffed me.”

  “Because you smell wonderful,” Fane told her, completely unashamed he’d been caught.

  They were quiet for a few moments, and then the questions he had waited for her to ask finally came.

  “So, are you going to fill me in on why we can share thoughts or why I suddenly have markings on my skin that would fit yours like a puzzle?” Jacquelyn asked him.

  “You noticed that the markings match?” Fane asked her, surprised.

  He had to tell his wolf to chill out because he desperately wanted to preen in front of her, proud that she had noticed his markings. Good grief, this is ridiculous, wanting to prance in front of my mate and show her I am worthy of her. Act normal, you hairy baboon, or she’s going to run from you screaming about what a psycho you are.

  “They are unusual markings, climbing up your neck like that, so, naturally, I noticed them.” She tried to sound nonchalant about it.

  “Look, Jacquelyn, I want to tell you. You have no idea how badly I want you to know everything. But your mom needs to talk with you first. She has to tell you what she knows and then when I explain how I fit into it, it will make more sense to you,” Fane said, imploring her to accept this.

  Fane knew, however, that she would never let it go that easily.

  “What does my mom have to do with any of this?” she asked him incredulously.

  Just as Fane was about to answer her, a car pulled in next to his motorcycle, which was quite a distance away from where they were sitting on a bench. Fane let his wolf out enough to use his eyes and saw, to his displeasure, it was the wolves that had driven past Jacquelyn’s house the night before.

  Four men got out of the car and began walking toward them. Fane’s mind began to race, trying to work out a strategy to keep his mate safe. But what could he do? If he attempted to fight them, she would be left unprotected. If they tried to make a run for it, the Greys would easily overtake them because she could not run faster than them. He could carry her, but Fane had a feeling that would not go over too well with his Luna.

  He would just have to wait and see what they wanted.

  “Who are these guys? Do you know them?” Fane heard her thoughts, clouded with worry.

  “I know very little about them. This is another thing we need to talk about, but we must talk to your mother first,” Fane answered.

  Fane never took his eyes off the wolves coming toward him and his mate, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jacquelyn give him a displeased look, obviously not happy with his answer.

  Fane couldn’t suppress the low warning growl that escaped from his throat. If he had been in wolf form, his hackles would have been standing, tail down, stance wide and low, ready for any sudden movement they might try.

  The wolf from the dealership—Fane remembered his name was Steve—spoke first, “My Alpha wants to know why you are still here.”

  Fane took a step forward, which had the wolves backing up a step, and they couldn’t help but lower their heads just a little because Fane was more dominant.

  “I hate to break it to you, Beta, but your Alpha has no authority to order me out of a town that he has not made known to be his territory,” Fane replied. “There is no record of this pack existing.”

  The man looked a little confused by this, which gave Fane pause. Was the wolf somehow unaware that he was in a rogue pack?

  Quickly, Steve composed himself. “Regardless, there is only one of you compared to our entire pack. What do you really think you can do against those odds?” he asked.

  Fane glared menacingly at the four Greys, and they backed up even more. “You tell your Alpha to back off. There is only so much disregard for pack laws that I will overlook.” Fane glared at each wolf, looking directly into their eyes, and they dropped them instantly. Then, in the same voice his father used to make his own wolves obey, Fane told them, “Leave, now.”

  When a dominant issues a command like that, the submissive can only obey, whether they want to or not.

  Steve and the others walked away, but Fane could tell they were fighting against his order. Before he got in his car, the man turned to Fane and said, “Just so you know, pup, she has already been claimed, and if you don’t stay away, her true mate is going to challenge you, and, rest assured, he will tear you apart.”